The expert called the appearance of the United States in the Zangezur corridor a change in the balance of power

The United States has nothing to do with the Zangezur corridor, and their appearance in the region will fundamentally change the balance of power. This opinion was shared with Izvestia on July 14 by Stanislav Tarasov, an expert on the problems of the Middle East and the Caucasus.

"The practical implementation of such a project fundamentally changes the geopolitical situation in the region and the balance of power. The United States has absolutely nothing to do with the Zangezur corridor. The problem of corridor support for states in the region was handled by Russia, which, in general, stopped the second Karabakh war," Tarasov said.

According to the expert, the situation around the Zangezur corridor is of obvious concern to Iran, as it is the only zone connecting this country with Europe. The appearance of Americans in the region will be a step towards complicating the situation.

"The famous North–South strategic project runs along this route, through Azerbaijan to Iran. There could be a branch line to Zangezur, but under Russian control. <...> This is a step towards aggravating relations with Iran, it is an attempt to block Iran. And this is an attempt to crush Russia's communication capabilities for access to the Indian Ocean," Tarasov said.

In general, the statement by the US Ambassador to Turkey, Thomas Barrack, about the possible control of the corridor is provocative, the expert concluded.

Armenian gesture: Yerevan wants to sign peace treaty with Baku as soon as possible

Why has the agreement not been concluded yet and how can Turkey influence it?

Earlier in the day, Barrack said that the United States was ready to take over the management of the planned Zangezur corridor between Armenia and Azerbaijan if it would help advance the stalled negotiations between the republics. It is specified that a private American company can act as a guarantor of the project.

On June 21, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Zangezur Corridor project in Armenia would cease to exist, and a "Crossroads of the World" would appear instead. The Prime Minister noted that he sees no reason why representatives of Turkey and Azerbaijan should not travel around Armenia. According to him, the "Crossroads of the World" implies the possibility of transport transit.