Zangezur Corridor: A Strategic US Initiative Aimed at Countering Iran and Russia

In a recent ceremony held in Tehran to honor Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili, Ali Akbar Velayati addressed pressing geopolitical concerns regarding the Republic of Azerbaijan and the controversial Zangezur Corridor. His remarks shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by Iran in maintaining its national security and cultural integrity amidst external pressures.

During his speech, Velayati emphasized that the enemies of Iran, particularly global Zionism and the United States, are deeply troubled by the historic unity and profound cultural connections that Iran shares within the region. He stated, “These actors seek to weaken the foundations of Iranian identity as a means to harm the country’s national security.”

Furthermore, Velayati warned that initiatives such as the Zangezur Corridor are merely a façade for more extensive geopolitical ambitions. He articulated that the primary goal of these plans is to undermine the resistance axis, disrupt Iran’s ties with the Caucasus, and impose a land blockade on both Iran and Russia in the southern region.

Key Points from Velayati’s Address:

• Iran’s national security is considered a red line.
• External forces aim to destabilize Iranian identity and unity.
• The Zangezur Corridor serves as a cover for broader geopolitical strategies.
• Iran’s historical and cultural ties must be preserved against external threats.

According to the Tasnim News Agency, Velayati’s complete statement included the following: “In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. Greetings and salutations to the brave and cultured people of Azerbaijan, especially the proud province of Ardabil. I offer special thanks to Ayatollah Seyed Hassan Ameli, the Leader’s representative and the esteemed Friday Prayer Leader of Ardabil, whose dedication and efforts enabled the holding of this grand ceremony honoring the lofty status of Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili.”

He further expressed gratitude to all those involved in honoring this significant national and scholarly figure, underscoring the exceptional unity, vigilance, and solidarity displayed by the Iranian nation throughout history, especially against contemporary aggressions from the Zionist regime and the United States.

According to Velayati, Iranian culture is distinctive for two primary features: internal cohesion among its diverse ethnic groups and a historical continuity that strengthens its ancient civilization. He elaborated, “Iranian identity has always been based on monotheism.” From ancient times through to today, Iranians have embraced monotheistic faiths, with historical figures like Shahrestani and Masoudi noting that even ancient Iranian kings traced their lineage back to Prophet Abraham (AS).

With the rise of Islam, the Iranian populace, previously followers of Zoroastrianism, accepted this divine faith, with many historians suggesting that Zoroaster himself originated from the Azerbaijan region. Velayati highlighted Iran’s legacy of resisting oppression, citing key historical figures and events, from Abu Muslim Khorasani’s rebellion against the Umayyads to Khajeh Nasir al-Din Tusi’s contributions during the Mongol invasions.

One pivotal moment in this historical narrative was the establishment of the Safavid state, which, under Shah Ismail Safavi and inspired by Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili, unified Iran after centuries of fragmentation. Velayati noted, “Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili, a mystic and devout jurist descending from Imam Musa al-Kazim (AS), founded a genuine spiritual and intellectual movement.”

He emphasized that Sheikh Safi’s teachings helped link mysticism with Shiism and Iranian identity, paving the way for institutions whose influence is still evident in contemporary Iranian culture. Velayati reiterated that Azerbaijan remains a vital center of faith, a bastion of Shiism, and a leader in preserving Iranian-Islamic identity.

In his address, Velayati acknowledged that Iran’s enemies, particularly global Zionism and the US, have consistently sought to disrupt this historical unity and cultural depth. He articulated that the implementation of plans like the Zangezur Corridor could lead to a weakened Resistance Axis, cutting off Iran’s connections with the Caucasus and imposing a land blockade on both Iran and Russia.

Moreover, Velayati pointed out that this initiative aligns with the US strategy to shift geopolitical pressures from Ukraine to the Caucasus and is backed by NATO and certain pan-Turkist movements. He affirmed Iran’s resolute opposition to such maneuvers, stating that even military deployments and deterrent exercises have been conducted to demonstrate that national security is non-negotiable for Iran.

He remarked, “The policy of ‘active prevention’ rather than ‘passive reaction’ is the intelligent strategy adopted by the Islamic Republic.” Velayati recalled the heroic resistance of the Azerbaijani people against various invasions throughout history, emphasizing their role in thwarting colonial conspiracies and maintaining Iran’s territorial integrity.

Today, he asserted, the enemy continues to seek opportunities to penetrate Iran’s geopolitical depth under the guise of economic initiatives that, in reality, have separatist intentions. However, he expressed confidence that the Iranian nation, inspired by the teachings of its great figures like Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili, will remain steadfast against such conspiracies.

In conclusion, Velayati called for unity and vigilance among the Iranian people, affirming that just as Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili confronted division in his time, today’s Iranian populace will thwart the enemy’s nefarious schemes through solidarity and faith. He concluded with a tribute to Sheikh Safi al-Din, stating, “May his memory endure, and may his path be widely followed.”

MNA/TSN

Related topic: Iran national security