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Azerbaijan’s push for the opening of a so-called corridor to Nakhichevan through Armenia’s Syunik Province is not only a consequence of Armenian authorities’ policies that have allowed it to dictate the agenda and impose preconditions, but also part of a broader struggle between Turkey and Iran for influence and ultimately, control over Nakhichevan, claims MP Tigran Abrahamyan of the opposition Pativ Unem faction.

According to Abrahamyan, Turkey has been pursuing deep integration efforts in Nakhichevan for 10-15 years, spanning cultural and military spheres.

"At one point, Azerbaijan was on the verge of losing control over the region, prompting it to carry out radical changes in Nakhichevan's government a few years ago, removing nearly all influential figures from office and replacing them exclusively with loyalists from Baku," Abrahamyan wrote on Facebook on Friday.

"Surprisingly, the Nakhichevan clan has been sidelined after Heydar Aliyev’s death. Many of its key figures have not only lost influence but have also faced prosecution.

“Through Ilham Aliyev’s deliberate policies – and perhaps, in some cases, beyond his control – Azerbaijan’s ruling elite underwent significant transformations over the past decade. Aliyev’s wife and her family, along with Turkey’s leadership, played a pivotal role in shaping these changes.

"Following the 44-day Artsakh war, Turkish influence over Azerbaijan’s internal affairs has expanded considerably despite Aliyev’s strong resistance. We continue to see manifestations of this influence, including periodic expressions of discontent," Abrahamyan stated.