War in Iran increases the importance of the Zangezur Corridor

Rising security risks following US and Israeli attacks on Iran are reshaping the balance of power in the South Caucasus. In this process, the importance of the Zangezur Corridor, which aims to establish a direct link between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, has become even more pronounced.

The project, which will provide Turkey with uninterrupted transport to Central Asia, plays a critical role not only in transport but also in energy and trade. With the realization of the Zangezur Corridor, regional trade is expected to revive and economic integration is expected to accelerate.

In the region where developments are being closely monitored, the future of the Zangezur Corridor stands out as a critical element that will affect political and economic balances across a wide geography, not just the two countries.

Work is also continuing on the 224-kilometer-long Kars-Iğdır-Aralık-Dilucu railway line, which is an important part of the Zangezur Corridor that will connect Turkey to Nakhchivan and Azerbaijan.

Abdullah Atalar, a businessperson and board member of the Eastern Anatolia Exporters' Association, stated that exporters in the region are very brave and can find alternative regions, saying, "The tension in Iran is really putting our exporters in a difficult situation. It is also putting our friends who trade here and our friends in the region in a difficult situation. Our Dilucu Customs Gate is currently continuing to operate intensively. There is a density here due to the tension in Iran. We will have initiatives regarding relief there. The Gürbulak Gate, on the other hand, is currently in trouble due to this tension. There is also a density at Dilucu in Iğdır. Over time, this situation may yield better results for our Iğdır tradesmen and exporters to increase their trade. There may be congestion at our border gate. You know that this is our gateway to the entire East. For this reason, the importance of the Zangezur Corridor has become even more significant due to this tension in Iran. It has become very, very important to complete both our railway lines and our highway line quickly. Our exporters are truly very brave and can find alternative regions. I toured the field in Iğdır and looked. Our friends in Iğdır and our friends in Doğubayazıt in the region are exporting to all parts of the world. However, I think that our exports, especially at the Dilucu Customs Gate and in border trade, will be much better after the tension in Iran. But our merchants, tradesmen, and exporters always find a way out for themselves. We have very brave merchants and exporters."

Iğdır-based businessperson Selahattin Çaylı stated that the Zangezur Corridor creates a bond between Turkey and all Turkic Republics, saying, "As you know, the Zangezur Corridor refers to a corridor that will connect Turkey and Azerbaijan and passes through Armenian territory.

It is a route used as a transit path from Turkey or anywhere in the world without getting stuck at any checkpoint while passing through Armenia. Work on this line is ongoing. The necessary negotiations are also progressing well. The opening of this line in a short time will be an extremely important route for our country and our city as a line that will create a bond between Turkey and all Turkic Republics.

As you know, the Zangezur Corridor has become extremely important after the war events that have developed recently. The opening of a blockage that may occur on this side will only be possible via Zangezur. In this respect, Zangezur is an important point in terms of regional dynamics, regional trade, exports, and for merchants, traders, and tourism professionals. Its opening now stands before us as essential.

Passages through our border gates in Iran have almost come to a standstill in terms of commercial activities. People do not feel safe. Where there is no trust, there is no trade. Trade, merchants, and traders essentially prefer trust. Since there is no trust, trade has also come to a standstill. This is about to reach a point that affects not only our border gate here but world trade as well. We hope that this war will also be resolved through peace in a short time."

News Source: 12punto