Alirza Quluncu, Voice of America, September 13, 2024
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| Reza Talebi, Political Analyst |
The topic of the "Zangezur Corridor" has been widely discussed in Iran's political environment for a long time, and after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Azerbaijan last month, it has been increasingly discussed by Iranian officials, as well as Iranian opposition groups and Persian-language media.
"There are several arguments raised regarding the Zangezur Corridor in Iran. One is that they say this corridor will close the Iran-Armenia border. However, this is not the case. The second argument is that they call it a NATO-created corridor. Additionally, they see Turkey as a significant player and say that this will be the Turan Corridor, which will connect the Turkic world, and this will not be beneficial for Iran. One reason why Iran focuses on this Zangezur issue is, of course, the issue of Iran’s relations with Azerbaijan, which they see as a security matter," said Reza Talebi.
In Iran's official and semi-official media outlets, the Zangezur Corridor is often referred to as the "Turan Corridor" or the "NATO Corridor."
Talebi believes that the Islamic Republic of Iran adopts a more ideologically-based position regarding the Zangezur Corridor, rather than one based on political and economic benefits.
The position of various Iranian political groups, including dissident groups outside of Iran, largely aligns with the stance of the Islamic Republic regarding the Zangezur Corridor.
According to the journalist, "especially in security or military matters, the rhetoric of certain far-right or far-left factions within the Iranian opposition aligns with that of the Islamic Republic. However, this is temporary, not a strategic position, but rather a tactical one. But when it comes to Azerbaijan and Turkey, 90 percent of this opposition behaves ideologically and takes the same position as the Iranian government and acts accordingly."
Reza Talebi also pointed out the content being spread in Persian-language media and social networks recently, adding, "The positions we see on TV shows, which are far from rational, are identical to the stance of the Iranian government, which relies more on radical Iranian nationalism rather than Islamic principles. This can also be seen in issues related to Arabs. In general, some of Iran's ideologists have a foundational anti-Turkish discourse. When we look at it, Azerbaijan and Turkey have had more economic benefits with Iran compared to its other neighbors and have been involved in fewer conflicts. Yet, there is still a stance against them. After the Karabakh war and Azerbaijan’s restoration of its sovereignty over the occupied territories, this has been seen more explicitly."
Link to the original interview in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
Rza Talibi: Mövzu Azərbaycan və Türkiyəyə gələndə iranlı dissidentlər İslam Respublikası ilə birlikdə hərəkət edir