Rewritten Title:
Will Russia Sidestep Iran in the Zangezur Corridor? Geopolitical Shifts in the South Caucasus
U.S. Gains Foothold in South Caucasus Through Zangezur Corridor Deal
A key provision of the South Caucasus peace agreement—brokered with U.S. involvement—includes the development of a 43-kilometer corridor along the Iran-Armenia border. Dubbed the “Trump Road” by some, this strategic route grants the U.S. development and control rights for 99 years, marking a significant geopolitical shift in the region.
Azerbaijan and Turkey, with calculated foresight, have facilitated this move to bypass opposition—particularly from Iran—by placing the U.S. as the primary stakeholder. This complicates any direct resistance, as confronting Washington carries far greater risks than opposing regional players. Historically, U.S. economic ventures in the South Caucasus have been accompanied by security and military implications, suggesting deeper strategic ambitions.
The “Corridor Wars” and Regional Marginalization
The Zangezur Corridor project reflects a broader “corridor war” spanning the Middle East, the Persian Gulf, and Central Asia—a competition aimed at sidelining Iran, China, and Russia from critical transit routes. The peace deal underscores how economic rivalries drive geopolitical conflicts, with nations prioritizing economic strength gaining leverage in security and strategic disputes.
By mediating the Armenia-Azerbaijan agreement, the U.S. not only bolsters its image as a peacemaker but also secures economic opportunities for American firms. More critically, it opens a pathway for NATO’s security expansion into the Caucasus without direct military engagement.
Strategic Pressures on Iran and Russia
The corridor’s control effectively extends U.S. maximum pressure tactics to Iran’s northwestern borders. By dominating Armenia’s border with Iran, Washington could restrict Tehran’s land access to Europe and Russia, diminishing its regional influence. Meanwhile, Russia—embroiled in its own conflict with NATO—faces a strategic setback. The “Trump Road” deal, if implemented, cedes key terrain to the U.S. and NATO, potentially encircling Moscow for decades and expanding Western influence toward Central Asia.
Will Russia-Iran Cooperation Emerge?
The question now is whether Russia will respond decisively to this challenge. Could shared geopolitical threats push Moscow and Tehran toward closer collaboration? Or will Russia maintain its cautious, non-confrontational stance in dealings involving Iran?
As the South Caucasus transforms into a battleground for economic and security dominance, the Zangezur Corridor stands as a litmus test for shifting alliances in Eurasia.
Source: Tabnak
