Velayati described the talk of possibly ‘renting the Zangezur corridor’ as ‘political naivety,’ comparing it to an attempt to rent the Panama Canal, according to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency.
On regional matters, Velayati emphasized Iran’s firm rejection of any attempts to disarm Lebanon’s Hezbollah, affirming that the ‘party is stronger than ever and remains the main force in protecting Lebanon and its security.’
He also noted that ‘Iran and Iraq agree on the necessity of maintaining the Popular Mobilization Forces as a key element in protecting Iraq and its stability.’
Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a peace agreement last Friday, mediated by the United States during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement grants the U.S. exclusive rights to develop a transport corridor through Armenia, linking Azerbaijan to the Nakhchivan region bordering Turkey.
The corridor, passing near the Iranian border, will be known as the ‘Trump Road for International Peace and Prosperity’ (Zangezur) and will operate under Armenian law. The project aims to ‘enhance regional connectivity and support economic cooperation among the involved countries.’
In contrast, Iran’s foreign ministry asserted on Saturday that Tehran will use all means to thwart this project, warning against ‘any foreign intervention near its borders that could undermine the region’s security and long-term stability.’
