Site Title

8 August

Background

On August 8, 2025, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a landmark peace agreement in Washington, D.C., under U.S. mediation. One of the central elements of the deal is the creation of the Zangezur Corridor, connecting mainland Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan via Armenian territory, and further linking to Türkiye.

The Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) is a strategic east–west trade route connecting China to Europe via Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus, and Türkiye.

Key Findings

Direct Connection to the Middle Corridor Through the Zangezur Corridor, Armenia will be physically linked to the main Middle Corridor route. This opens the possibility of transit flows passing through Armenian territory for the first time in decades. Integration into Regional Logistics Border openings with Azerbaijan and Türkiye will allow Armenia to join the Caucasus transport network. New rail and road connections could integrate Armenia into east–west trade supply chains. Economic and Geopolitical Gains Transit revenues, port and logistics services, and increased trade potential. Improved geopolitical relevance, reducing Armenia’s isolation from regional projects. Challenges and Risks The main Middle Corridor flow still passes through the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars line, limiting Armenia’s role unless it upgrades infrastructure. Regional competition among Türkiye, Iran, and Russia could influence the utilization of Armenian routes.

Conclusion

The Azerbaijan–Armenia peace agreement represents a strategic opportunity for Yerevan to enter the Middle Corridor network. While the deal moves Armenia from the periphery to a potential transit player, achieving a central role will require substantial investment, security guarantees, and multilateral coordination.

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