33

The development of the “Persian Gulf-Black Sea Transit Corridor” project marks a turning point in the region, and this in a very unstable geopolitical context since 2016, the year of the first negotiations. It testifies to Iran’s desire to establish itself as a key player in the South Caucasus, but also beyond, while bypassing Turkey, Iran’s regional rival and traditional transit corridor between the Middle East and Europe. The “Persian Gulf-Black Sea Transit Corridor” also faces difficulties related to the gains it could bring for the participating States. Indeed, the opportunities for diversifying energy supplies and opening up the region that it would bring for certain States are viewed with suspicion by the regional powers. Armenia, potential hub of this Corridor, is thus facing the expectations of its Iranian neighbour as well as pressure from Russia, especially after the military defeat of 2020.