Abstract

Objective: This article seeks to explore the status and nature of newly established corridors in the West Asia region in order to answer the following question: What impact will recent regional developments—particularly following the collapse of the former Syrian regime and the emergence of new transit corridors—have on Iran’s geopolitical position?
Method:This research adopts an analytical approach. Data has been collected through library research, document analysis, and qualitative content analysis of strategic reports.
Results: Iran’s geopolitical location has long been one of the central pillars of its national power. This strategic position has consistently placed Iran at the center of competition among international actors seeking to expand their regional influence. On the one hand, the strategic sensitivity of Iran’s location and its historical resistance to colonial domination, and on the other hand, the formation of regional and international coalitions and alliances, have gradually reinforced the perception that Iran’s geopolitical significance could be diminished through the development of alternative transit routes.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the recent transformations in the region—including the political shift in Syria and the establishment of three emerging transit corridors (IMEC, the Development Road, and the corridor currently in the Davos strategic planning phase)—have effectively sidelined Iran from key West Asian transit routes and opened space for regional competitors to strengthen their positions. These developments pose a serious geopolitical dilemma for Iran. Without the formulation of appropriate strategic responses, Iran’s role in the evolving regional order is likely to be challenged. Moreover, these shifts are expected to reduce Iran’s regional influence, weaken its economic and security standing, and increase the level of threats directed at Tehran.