Armenia Takes Iran's Interests into Account in 'Trump Route' Project, Says Ambassador to Iran

Armenia, adhering to an atmosphere of friendship and mutual trust, has taken into account Iran's vital interests in the 'Trump Route' project. This was stated by Armenian Ambassador Grigor Hakobyan in an interview with the Iranian Tasnim media.

During the interview, Ambassador Hakobyan discussed the implementation of the agreements reached in Washington regarding the unblocking of transportation routes in the South Caucasus. In this context, responding to a question from the journalist who used the term 'corridor', Ambassador Grigor Hakobyan stated: 'First of all, let me address the term 'corridor' used in your question. The declaration signed on August 8, 2025, by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the United States in Washington clearly stipulates that uninterrupted communication between the main territory of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan through the territory of Armenia will be ensured within the framework of the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) program. Thus, the official name of the corridor passing through southern Armenia is TRIPP, and any other designation, including 'corridor', contradicts the letter and spirit of the declaration signed by the Prime Minister of Armenia, the President of Azerbaijan, and the President of the United States,' emphasized the ambassador.

He also urged the Iranian expert and media community to follow this clear formulation. The ambassador stressed that the Washington declaration envisions unblocking all transportation communications for domestic, bilateral, and international transport, based on the principles of state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction.

'I must emphasize that, while adhering to an atmosphere of friendship and mutual trust, official Yerevan has taken into consideration Tehran's vital interests within this entire process, and there has been active dialogue at various levels regarding the developments. I also find it necessary to note that it is precisely these principles that have always been primary pillars for both the Republic of Armenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and their preservation is fully consistent with the interests of our two states,' the ambassador said.

According to him, as a result of the unblocking, Armenia will have a rail connection with the Islamic Republic of Iran through the territory of Nakhchivan, creating an unprecedented opportunity for Iran to establish direct rail communication with Georgia, connecting to the Black Sea ports. In turn, Iran will become a railway transit route for Armenia, connecting with the countries of Central Asia and the Far East. The ambassador pointed out that additional connections are planned between various regions of Armenia, which is of great significance for the country’s internal economic and logistical systems.

'It is also important that in the 'Trump Route' project, Armenia and the U.S. have equal veto rights regarding the involvement of a third party, so any side can only be engaged in this project with the agreement of Yerevan and Washington. The overall conditions for the implementation of the 'Trump Route' project are currently being actively discussed with Washington. It is anticipated that a joint Armenian-American 'TRIPP Company' will be registered in Armenia, which will be granted the rights to develop the necessary infrastructure for railways, highways, oil and gas pipelines, as well as optical fiber cables. It is expected that next year we will proceed to the practical implementation and construction phase of the project,' the ambassador detailed.

Grigor Hakobyan stated that the 'Trump Route' fully aligns with the 'Peace Intersection' initiative proposed by the Armenian government and will contribute to the creation of regional interdependencies, becoming an important factor for sustainable peace.

'I am pleased to note that the political agreements regarding the gradual opening of communications are already yielding real results. In October, Azerbaijan announced the lifting of restrictions on the transit of goods through its territory to Armenia, and we already have the first practical examples: grain has been transported from Kazakhstan to Armenia via the railway through Azerbaijan and Georgia. Armenia has also repeatedly affirmed its readiness, both politically and technically, to ensure the transit of cargo between Turkey and Azerbaijan through its territory. Thus, we can record that the 'Trump Route' project offers a new model of communication, reinforced by international support, based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, reciprocity, and jurisdiction, for Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the entire region,' said Ambassador Hakobyan. He expressed confidence that the implementation of the project will not only stimulate economic cooperation but will also strengthen peace and stability throughout the region.