Iran Is Building a New Road for Azerbaijan to Bypass Armenia

Iran is helping Azerbaijan build a road to connect its main territory with the Nakhijevan region — and this road will bypass Armenia. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed the plan during an interview with Azerbaijan’s state television. He proudly shared that Iran has taken the initiative to ensure safe and comfortable land travel between Azerbaijan and its Nakhijevan exclave.

According to Pezeshkian, the project is moving forward quickly, with full agreements in place. Construction is already underway, and he stressed that there would be "no problems" completing it. The Iranian leader added that the road would not only link parts of Azerbaijan but would also strengthen ties between Azerbaijan and key Iranian cities like Tabriz, Ardabil, and regions known as Western Azerbaijan.

Pezeshkian went even further, stating: "We consider Iran to be the second homeland of Azerbaijanis."

This project shows that Iran is now actively helping Azerbaijan find a way around Armenia instead of supporting regional cooperation with all neighboring countries — something that Armenia and international partners had hoped to achieve after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.

Why This Matters for Armenia

Since the end of the 2020 war, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia signed a ceasefire agreement promising to unblock all transportation routes in the region. Armenia agreed to allow safe passage between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhijevan — but there was never any talk of giving up Armenian sovereignty or creating a so-called "corridor" across Armenian land.

However, for more than a year, Azerbaijan pushed aggressively for a "Zangezur Corridor" through Armenia’s southern Syunik Province, using pressure and military threats to try to get what it wanted. Armenian officials stood firm, insisting that any transportation projects must respect Armenia’s full control over its territory, borders, and laws.

Now, by partnering with Iran to build a route that avoids Armenia, Azerbaijan seems to be giving up its push for the Zangezur Corridor — at least for now.

This shows that Armenia’s position was strong and just: no country should be forced to allow foreign-controlled land corridors through its sovereign territory.

Iran’s Strategy: Long-Term Gains with Azerbaijan

Iran’s decision to support Azerbaijan’s alternative route is about more than just transportation. President Pezeshkian’s visit to Baku came with a large 120-member delegation, including businessmen, politicians, and governors from Iran’s northwestern provinces. Together, they discussed plans to boost trade, build infrastructure, and deepen cooperation in agriculture and energy.

Iran and Azerbaijan are looking to increase their trade from $580 million in 2024 to $10 billion in the next five years. They are also building key energy projects together, such as two major hydroelectric stations on the Araz River, which will help irrigate land and provide electricity for both countries.

In transport, they are working together on major projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor — a massive route that would connect India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Europe. The new Rasht-Astara railway, scheduled for completion in 2025, is part of this effort.

Clearly, Iran is betting big on Azerbaijan to help it survive international sanctions and find new economic opportunities. But in doing so, Tehran is ignoring the region’s delicate balance and the need for fair, inclusive cooperation that includes Armenia.

Armenia’s Role: A Bridge, Not a Barrier

Armenia has always supported the idea of regional peace and economic reopening — but fairly and without threats or forced "corridors." After the 2020 ceasefire, Armenia said it was ready to unblock transport routes and allow safe travel, but only under its full control and laws.

Armenia also has the potential to be a bridge between east and west, north and south. Its location makes it a natural part of major trade routes, including the planned "Middle Corridor" connecting Europe and Asia. Instead of bypassing Armenia, smart and forward-looking leaders would see that working with Armenia is better for the stability and prosperity of the entire region.

Sadly, with this new Iranian-Azerbaijani project, Armenia risks being left out of key regional projects unless international players and Armenia’s own government continue to push for inclusive, fair cooperation.

At the heart of the matter is a simple truth: Armenia cannot and should not be pressured into giving up its sovereignty. The idea of the "Zangezur Corridor" was never acceptable, and today’s developments show that without Armenia’s agreement, Azerbaijan had to find another way.

Armenia’s position remains strong. It is a democratic country, rebuilding after war, committed to peace, but determined to defend its independence and territorial integrity.

As Iran and Azerbaijan rush ahead with their own plans, Armenia must stay focused: strengthening its economy, deepening ties with trusted partners, and reminding the world that lasting peace comes through respect — not threats, not bypasses, and not secret deals.