Russia warns of Armenia-Azerbaijan agreement

(MENAFN) Russia expressed cautious support on Saturday for a US-brokered draft peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, while Iran rejected a proposed border corridor included in the agreement. The peace deal, signed in Washington on Friday, aims to end decades of conflict between the two former Soviet republics, though key details and the enforceability of the agreement remain uncertain.

The US-mediated deal envisions a transit corridor through Armenia to link Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhchivan, fulfilling a long-standing demand from Baku. The United States would oversee development of the corridor, referred to as the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity," in this strategically important and resource-rich region.

However, Iran strongly opposed the plan, citing security concerns. Akbar Velayati, advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, told Tasnim news agency that the corridor was “impossible” and could endanger South Caucasus stability, warning it could become a “graveyard for Trump’s mercenaries.”

Russia indicated it would further review the corridor clause, noting existing trilateral agreements with Armenia and Azerbaijan remain in effect. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova highlighted that Russian border guards still protect Armenia’s border with Iran.

While Moscow has historically supported Armenia and maintains a military base there, it did not intervene in the latest conflict due to its ongoing operations in Ukraine. This has contributed to Armenia seeking closer ties with Western nations, straining its traditional relationship with Russia.

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