Adviser to the Supreme Leader of Iran on international affairs Ali Akbar Velayati, responding to a question about a recent statement by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the “Zangezur” corridor and his claim that this passage would be leased for 99 years, said:
 "Is the South Caucasus some kind of no man’s land for Trump to lease it? The Caucasus is one of the most sensitive geographic zones in the world, and this corridor will not become ‘Trump’s corridor’ but will turn into a grave for his mercenaries," Entekhab reports.

Velayati stressed that Iran has always opposed the creation of the so-called Zangezur corridor, as it would alter the geopolitical situation of the region, shift borders, and is aimed at dividing Armenia.

He recalled that when Turkey and Azerbaijan insisted on creating this corridor, the Iranian armed forces under the command of General Bagheri conducted exercises in the northwest of the country, demonstrating readiness and determination to prevent the project.

Velayati also called the idea of leasing the corridor to another state "naïve" and compared Trump’s statement to wanting to lease the Panama Canal — "this is impossible and will not happen."

He further noted that "Trump always says a lot of loud but empty words" and sees himself as a real estate agent who wants to lease out land and territories.

The former Iranian foreign minister emphasized that Iran, with or without Russia, will counter any threat to the security of the South Caucasus. He also highlighted the firm opposition of the Armenian people to this project, including support from Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan, who during a visit to Iran expressed solidarity with Tehran’s position and spoke out against building the corridor.

Velayati warned that implementing this plan would threaten regional security and make the route through Turkey the only connection to the north and northwest of Iran. Iran will categorically not allow NATO to be stationed on the country’s northern borders.

He also said that for connecting Nakhchivan with Azerbaijan, a separate corridor is unnecessary — Iran’s territory can be used for this purpose.