Construction on Trump Route to Begin in Second Half of 2026, Says Pashinyan

Armenia does not claim that the Trump route must be implemented under unacceptable conditions for Azerbaijan. We have signed a document stating that it must be under acceptable conditions. This statement was made by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

"We have signed a paper on acceptable conditions. The conditions acceptable to Azerbaijan are those under which the signatures of the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia are placed. In the third point of the Washington declaration, Azerbaijan signed the document outlining what the acceptable conditions are. These include territorial integrity, sovereignty, legal authority, reciprocity, and inviolability of borders. What I mean is that the absent part of the National Assembly (i.e., the opposition) was excited about it. Serzh Sargsyan and Robert Kocharyan are talking about conspiracies; if you have heard, come stand in front of me, and say, 'let's see what happens.' They have left talk of conspiracy behind, while continuing to refuse to engage in debate. Right now, all those who see the road—be it a senior figure, territorial organization, friend, or relative—will change it, so they do not accidentally enter the debate," Pashinyan said.

Speaking about the Trump route, Pashinyan also noted that all details need to be outlined on paper by the end of the year. "In the first half of 2026, we should agree, and in the second half, we should start construction work. This is the plan, but I did not want to say this because my experience shows that such plans always deviate from their timelines. Although we are still in the planning stage, the information indicates that the same circle from President Trump's team is working on several very important key topics, and those people are also burdened by other topics due to objective circumstances. We will do everything to ensure that this timeline works clearly. If it happens to be delayed by 1-2 weeks, there will be noise again, but I know that plans always have some deviation. The railway will follow the route of the railway that existed during Soviet times because constructing a railway elsewhere is not realistic. The gas pipeline will go significantly to the north, as will the electrical lines. We have started studies on the ground, but I cannot say which sections will remain in the Syunik province and which in Vayots Dzor province, as it depends on many factors. Regarding roads, the north-south direction is under construction, and it is highly likely that east-west roads will be integrated into the north-south roads. We know the railway route clearly, the gas pipeline will be further north, the power transmission lines will also be significantly further north, and the road will somehow be integrated with the north-south route, while there is still no clear information regarding the oil pipeline," he added.