Iran and Russia hold consultations on ‘Zangezur Corridor’

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Igor Khovaev, the Russian Foreign Minister’s Special Representative for the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, met in Tehran to discuss recent developments in the Middle East and the “Zangezur Corridor.”

Iran’s foreign minister also stressed the need to continue consultations and cooperation between Tehran and Yerevan in order to protect the common interests of the two countries. According to him, the similarity of the two states’ positions is important for regional and international issues.

According to the statement, Khovaev conveyed greetings from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, presented a report on “Moscow’s diplomatic efforts to establish peace in the South Caucasus,” and emphasized the importance of “close and ongoing cooperation” between Iran and Russia.

Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a phone call with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, had warned Yerevan about the possible growth of U.S. dominance and influence in the South Caucasus under the guise of economic investments. On the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the “Zangezur Corridor” issue had been removed from the agenda, as it is a transit route under Armenia’s sovereignty. However, he noted that Tehran “has reasons for concern” and therefore is closely monitoring the situation.