SCFR: What is Iran’s strategy towards the Caucasus crisis?

Dr. Kharazi: Undoubtedly, the resolution of the Karabakh issue has altered the equations in the Caucasus, and it should be seen how we can contribute to solving other sensitive problems in this region. Since the region had been once part of Iran’s territory, the Islamic Republic of Iran after the collapse of the former Soviet Union has consistently shown a benevolent attitude toward the developments of that region, especially its geopolitical changes. Therefore, Iran has considered the Karabakh region as part of the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan from the beginning and has emphasized the liberation of its occupied lands. Therefore, even during President Heydar Aliyev, Iran offered military assistance to the Republic of Azerbaijan for the liberation of its occupied territories. Similarly, Iran does not accept the occupation of Armenian lands by Azerbaijan and emphasizes the preservation of the current borders between regional countries.

SCFR: What will happen to the Zangzor Corridor in the current situation?

Dr. Kharazi: Baku proposed the Zangzor Corridor in a way to be under the sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to connect Nakhchivan to its mainland. That claim was in reply to the Lachin Corridor, which was under the control of Armenia, connecting Karabakh to the territory of Armenia. Now that the Karabakh issue has been resolved and the Lachin Corridor has become irrelevant, there is no longer any justification for requesting such a reciprocal corridor. However, countries can place their transit routes at the disposal of their neighbors through agreements, and such cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia is defensible and does not require threats or occupation.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, aware of the importance of connecting Nakhchivan to the territory of Azerbaijan, is trying to facilitate such a connection from Iranian soil to Azerbaijan. Therefore, an agreement has been reached with Baku for the construction of a 55-kilometer road and railway from the village of Aghband in the Zangilan region in the south of Azerbaijan, near the Iran-Armenia border, to the city of Ordubad in Nakhchivan.

SCFR: How can we talk about reconciliation in the current emotional situation?

Dr. Kharazi: When the dust of war settles, the neighbors have to help establish peace and tranquility in the region, as the continuation of the crisis and unfounded claims will eventually entangle them in the conflict. Based on this, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been supporting the framework of 3+3, meaning the meeting of the three countries of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia, and the three neighboring countries of Iran, Russia, and Turkey. The goal of such a meeting would be to discuss ways to resolve disputes and create peace in the Caucasus. Recently, Iran has taken steps to host such a meeting in Tehran as part of its benevolent role. The formation of such a meeting can contribute to the resolution of conflicts and the adoption of decisions that serve the overall interests of the Caucasus region.