"The remarks expressed by the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, are completely unfounded. It is an accusation. According to Ali Khamenei's statement, Azerbaijan intends to block the border between Armenia and Iran. Who from Azerbaijan spoke about closing the border between Iran and Armenia? This is nonsense. Implementing the Zangazur Corridor does not mean closing the border between Iran and Armenia," political scientist Ilgar Valizada told Report.
According to him, however, Iran is not the main country blocking the Zangazur Corridor: "I would not support this approach. In general, an Iranian official making such a statement is an empty accusation. Some officials in Iran do not understand the processes because Azerbaijan implements large-scale projects with other countries. The creation of new infrastructure in the liberated territories causes concern in Iran. They do not understand that the creation of new infrastructure is also beneficial to Iran since they have not been able to establish a normal transport connection with South Caucasus countries, especially Armenia, for years. In the past, a railway was functioning particularly in Julfa, which was a direct line of communication connecting Iran and Armenia."
The political expert said these communications are currently being restored: "Other participants have the right to use it as well. These are Turkiye, Central Asian countries, etc. It boosts their reputation along with Azerbaijan. And it pushes Armenia further into the background."
According to the political scientist, in general, some are interested in creating destructive processes between Azerbaijan and Iran and give wrong advice to Khamenei.
Valizada emphasized that the main goal in the current regional processes should be to invite the participants to solve various problems, including environmental issues, by focusing on one point, rather than distracting from the problems.