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Despite Western sanctions, Russia and Iran were coming closer, on the one hand there were reports of Iran supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, and on the other hand an air defense system was being supplied to Iran. That is, the friendship between the two countries was increasing in the field of defense. But now a corridor has created tension in the friendship of Russia and Iran.
The reason for this tension is the Janghejur Corridor
The reason for the recent tension between Russia and Iran is the Zangezur corridor, which Azerbaijan wants to develop in the area located on the Iranian border. A few days ago, Russia supported Azerbaijan regarding this corridor, after which Iran is angry. The construction of this corridor can hinder Iran's access to Armenia and then to Europe, which is why Iran is opposing it.
First understand the problem of Iran
Iran is opposed to the Jangjur Corridor for both geopolitical and economic reasons. Iran, which shares a border of about 50 kilometers with Armenia, is concerned that the corridor will cut off its access to Europe through Armenia and Georgia. This would reduce the number of Iran's neighbors from 15 to 14, but would also cut off a vital trade route.
What do experts say about this corridor?
Experts say Iran sees the corridor as a geographical, economic and identity threat and will not accept any change to its northwestern border because of its 2,000-year-old historical ties with Armenia.
Why is the corridor important for Russia?
The Zangezur region, which is currently part of Southern Armenia, has been a disputed region since World War I. Both Azerbaijan and Armenia claim it. But in November 2020, a trilateral agreement between the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia stated that Armenia would provide part of the land for a corridor between the Azerbaijani mainland and its outskirts in Nakhchivan. The agreement ended the 3-month-long war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The special thing is that this corridor will connect Russia to Turkey through Azerbaijan and its other province Nakhchivan.
Positive views on NATO and Russia corridor
Simply put, the aim of this corridor is to allow Azerbaijan access to its Nakhchivan enclave without any Armenian checkpoints, while the corridor passes through the Iran-Armenia border. This corridor is a geopolitical project connecting Europe to Central Asia and China through Azerbaijan-Turkey. If this corridor is built, it will also help in promoting trade relations between many countries. Despite NATO and Russia having different views on many issues ranging from the Ukraine conflict to the Middle East, both have positive views on the corridor.
Iran opposes Russia's stance
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said a few days ago during Putin's visit to Baku that Russia supports the Jangjur corridor. Iran expressed strong displeasure over Lavrov's statement. After this, Iran summoned the Russian ambassador and objected to Moscow's stance. Iran said that it does not want conflict on its borders due to Russia's provocation. Iran also called it a red line.