Continuing the sessions of the second day of the "Tehran Dialogue Forum (TDF)," held on Monday, May 19, 2025, a specialized panel was convened entitled "From the Subcontinent to Eurasia: Corridors, Geo-economics, and Unlocking Potentials."

David Hakobyan: Iran Can Provide Significant Assistance to Armenia in Reaching the Persian Gulf, the Caspian Sea, and Other Open Seas.

In a subsequent segment of the session, David Hakobyan, an analyst and economic activist from Armenia, after expressing his gratitude to the organizers of the "Tehran Dialogue Forum" and the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the invitation to the event, elaborated on the strategic importance of the Zangezur corridor for his country and the entire region. Recalling his first visit to Iran two decades prior and the prevailing interest in commercial cooperation at that time, he alluded to the appeal of the "Dialogue Among Civilizations" initiative proposed by the then-incumbent President of Iran, emphasizing the imperative of reviving and sustaining dialogue among nations under the current circumstances.

Hakobyan further identified "trust" as the cornerstone of any infrastructural cooperation, adding, "Even with the construction of pipelines and railways, if mutual trust between governments and nations is absent, corridors and connectivity projects will prove futile." He characterized relations between Tehran and Yerevan as exceptionally close and highly significant, stating, "Armenia is not only Iran's sole Christian-majority neighbor but also constitutes Iran's exclusive terrestrial route to the Eurasian sphere. Iran, a vast nation with a rich Islamic civilization, can see Armenia serve as a crucial bridge between the Islamic world and Christianity, thereby contributing to broader confidence-building at regional and international levels."

The Armenian analyst asserted, "Armenia is resolute in playing its active role in the development of regional corridors, and in this endeavor, Iran stands as an indispensable partner. Armenia, as a landlocked nation, can, with Iran's assistance, gain access to open waters such as the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea. Reciprocally, Iran, via the Zangezur corridor, will secure a strategic passage to the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, Europe, the Caucasus, and Eurasia. These mutual benefits attest to the profound economic and historical bonds between our two nations."

Elsewhere in his remarks, Hakobyan addressed the challenges pertaining to the Zangezur corridor, particularly concerning the Republic of Azerbaijan, stating, "This transit route, while presenting its unique challenges, undoubtedly possesses diplomatic solutions that both parties must attain through dialogue. Protracted crises between neighbors, such as those witnessed between India and Pakistan, cannot endure indefinitely. Neighboring countries are invariably destined for peaceful coexistence and must arrive at a mutual understanding by pursuing a conciliatory approach. It is my hope that Baku and Yerevan will also undertake constructive measures along this path."

From the Subcontinent to Eurasia: Corridors, Geo-economics, and Unlocking Potential; Escaping the Development Deadlock

Continuing the sessions of the second day of the "Tehran Dialogue Forum (TDF)," held on Monday, May 19, 2025, a specialized panel was convened entitled "From the Subcontinent to Eurasia: Corridors, Geo-economics, and Unlocking Potentials."

Ali Taher Alhammood: Neighboring Countries Are Opportunities, Not Threats.

Further in the panel discussion, Ali Taher Alhammood from Iraq's "Al-Bayan Center for Studies and Planning" responded to a question regarding the benefits of new corridors for post-Saddam Iraq. The inquiry focused on how, given Iraq's attainment of relative stability, the country seeks to secure its national interests by establishing connectivity corridors with the East, West, and Eurasia.

Alhammood commenced by citing former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif's statement that "Neighboring countries are opportunities, not threats," and also referencing Ambassador Jami's perspective on the connecting role of the corridor currently under construction by Iraq. He added: "In the past, we witnessed the existence of a significant communication route such as the 'Prophet Muhammad Road' (Jadeh Muhammad Rasul Allah), which extended from Mashhad to Karbala and thence to the land of revelation (Hejaz), providing a platform for constructive regional dialogues. Today, these terrestrial and maritime corridors, rather than being a pretext for spurious rivalries and regional conflicts, can serve as highways of friendship and cooperation among the countries of the region."

The Iraqi researcher then alluded to the historical "Baghdad-Berlin Railway" project: "The plan for this railway, whose origins predate the modern state of Iraq itself, was conceived a century ago with the aim of connecting Baghdad and Iraq, via Turkey, to Berlin and the heart of Europe. Such corridors possess a significant capacity to substantially deepen neighborly ties within the region."

Alhammood estimated the value of Iraq's current corridor project ("Development Road") at $17 billion, adding that contracts for its first and second phases have been concluded and their implementation has commenced, with the final phase scheduled for completion by 2050. He described this route as a factor for "Iraq's national cohesion, solidarity, and unity," and expressed hope that Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iran would also connect to this vital artery, including via the Khorramshahr railway link, so that "we may witness the ever-increasing expansion and deepening of regional cooperation."

Daman Pak Jami: Despite Instability, All in the Region Aspire to Self-Reliance.

Daman Pak Jami, an Iranian researcher, speaking on the second day of the "Tehran Dialogue Forum" during a panel entitled "From the Subcontinent to Eurasia: Corridors, Geo-economics, and Unlocking Potentials," analyzed the status of corridors in West Asia. He commenced his address by alluding to the region's tumultuous history: "For an extended period, West Asia has been an arena of instability and a breeding ground for terrorist forces—an era marked by bloodshed and the rise of terrorism. Regrettably, certain actors persist in their efforts to embroil the region in conflict and contention."

The researcher added: "The encouraging development, however, is that notwithstanding all these instabilities, a collective determination for self-reliance is materializing among the nations of the region. As our esteemed President rightly underscored yesterday, regional countries must depend on their indigenous capabilities and seek solutions to their challenges from within the region itself."

Jami went on to highlight the escalating geopolitical significance of West Asia over the past two to three decades: "We are observing the rise of multiple emerging powers and a gradual shift in the global locus of power from the West to the East. China and India have transformed into principal hubs for production and supply, whereas the West predominantly functions as a center of consumption. In this milieu, energy transit via the Persian Gulf is critical, and Iran, as the vibrant nexus of commerce on this vital waterway, occupies a distinctive position. Colossal infrastructure projects, involving both domestic and international partnerships, are materializing, and all prominent corridors can fulfill complementary roles for one another. What is requisite is the establishment of an interconnected network of corridors that mutually reinforce and supplement one another."

He concluded by addressing the challenge of sanctions: "Regrettably, sanctions against Iran have fomented a form of unhealthy and counterproductive competition within the region, thereby impeding our ability to assume a more active and successful role in these regional dynamics."

Farid Shafiyev: The Astara-Rasht Railway Line Must Be Completed.

Farid Shafiyev, an Azerbaijani analyst, responding to a question about the economic benefits and advantages of his country's energy transit lines eastward, first pointed to the general benefits of corridors: "Any corridor defined within the framework of trans-regional projects inherently brings economic benefits and leads to the flourishing of businesses and the expansion of commercial opportunities." Referring to the past, he added: "History bears witness; the Silk Road originated in China and, after traversing the Caucasus, Iran, and Turkey, reached Europe. Along this route, not only goods but also culture and knowledge were exchanged. Today, we are also witnessing grand designs such as China's 'Belt and Road Initiative' (BRI), which is anticipated to undergo its completion phases between 2025 and 2027. Europe, too, with Brussels announcing its intention to assist and allocate a budget exceeding $10 billion, is seeking to bolster these communication routes, although these new corridors will not supplant traditional routes."

The Azerbaijani analyst then touched upon bilateral cooperation: "We are awaiting practical steps from our Iranian counterparts, particularly for the completion of the Astara-Rasht railway line. Of course, we do not intend to adopt a pessimistic outlook on the future; however, realities such as tariff wars and the current complex situation in the Middle East cannot be disregarded. Advancing all these projects requires investment and financial resources."

Regarding the Zangezur corridor, Mr. Shafiyev articulated his country's position as follows: "Our objective is to achieve sustainable peace and create a foundation for comprehensive cooperation in the region. All issues must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. The significance of infrastructure projects in the Caucasus is directly linked to the level of cooperation among regional countries. Existing disagreements over Zangezur must be set aside. Iran and Azerbaijan each have their own perspectives, but it is certainly possible, with goodwill, to reach a mutual understanding and a mutually agreeable solution."

Alexey Kuznetsov: West Asia Lies at the Heart of All Corridors.

Alexey Kuznetsov, a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, also elaborated on his perspectives during this panel. Emphasizing West Asia's pivotal position within the global network of corridors, he stated: "West Asia is situated at the epicenter of all international corridors, and it is not without reason that it is accorded particular significance; to the extent that Africa, Europe, and even Latin America have fixed their gaze on this region. Certain plans to connect our (Russia's) corridors to the heart of Asia are also under review, all of which signify the escalating importance of this part of the Asian continent."

The Russian academician added: "Currently, three main corridors are operational. However, given the existing geopolitical sensitivities, the establishment and operationalization of new corridors, particularly other discussed alternatives, face challenges, and the certainty of alternative projects' viability remains dubious. For instance, the status of the Middle Corridor, owing to its unique position, requires more meticulous examination. On the other hand, the North-South Corridor, potentially considered the fastest and most economical route, has unfortunately been negatively impacted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This corridor, in which Iran and Russia are key players, necessitates joint investments, and its benefits must be equitably distributed among all stakeholder nations."

Kuznetsov pointed to the complexities of connecting these networks: "Among the numerous initiatives, only a small fraction, perhaps around 7% of China-related transit volume, passes through routes like the Middle Corridor or the Pakistan Corridor. We are also witnessing projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC). Therefore, when discussing the North-South Corridor, we must consider the feasibility of integrating these routes with one another, as well as pay attention to the varying temporal and spatial considerations and priorities of each region, as each region possesses its own distinct dynamics and exigencies."

He emphasized the necessity of dialogue: "Various countries must negotiate with one another regarding the development of corridors. The primary challenge is not the scarcity of domestic financial resources for launching new corridors, but rather how to attract foreign cooperation and investment and identify which countries are willing to participate in these projects." Kuznetsov concluded by stating: "Each corridor must focus on the tangible benefits and strategic connections it fosters. The ultimate success of these initiatives hinges upon simultaneous attention to commercial, diplomatic, and political dimensions by all regional countries, and most importantly, the establishment and reinforcement of mutual trust."