This paper examines how the 2026 Iran War is reshaping the South Caucasus and its relevance for European Union strategy. It argues that disruptions to Middle Eastern routes and the weakening of Iran’s regional role have increased the importance of the South Caucasus as a key corridor linking Europe, the Black Sea, Central Asia, and Asia. The Middle Corridor has gained renewed strategic relevance, but this has also exposed Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan to greater security risks and external pressure.

The paper shows that the impact of the war is uneven. Georgia has become more important as a transit hub, but democratic backsliding raises concerns about its political reliability. Armenia remains the most vulnerable country, balancing closer Western engagement with continued dependence on Iran for connectivity and economic stability. Azerbaijan has strengthened its role as an energy supplier and transit state, while also facing greater risks linked to its proximity to Iran and sensitive infrastructure.

The paper argues that connectivity can no longer be treated as a purely economic issue. Energy routes, transport corridors, ports, pipelines, and digital infrastructure are now closely linked to security, resilience, and conflict prevention. It therefore calls on the EU to move beyond a fragmented country-by-country approach and develop a South Caucasus Strategic Resilience Agenda. This agenda should connect infrastructure protection, energy security, democratic governance, crisis preparedness, and conflict prevention into one coherent regional strategy. The paper concludes that the EU should not simply use the South Caucasus as a corridor, but help make it resilient enough to function as a reliable strategic partner.