Kamran Hasanov, a senior lecturer at RUDN University and Doctor of Political Science at the University of Salzburg, has stated that the U.S.-Armenian Trump Route project (officially TRIPP) represents a sensitive maneuver affecting Iran’s geopolitical interests.
In an interview, Hasanov characterized the initiative as part of a broader strategy that blocks Iran’s free access to Armenia, escalates tensions with Hezbollah through Israeli actions, alters Syria’s political landscape following a 12-day conflict, and now triggers protests. “This is a unified strategy to contain Russia, China and Iran,” he explained.
Hasanov noted that the Armenian Prime Minister has a strong interest in ensuring the corridor does not come under Azerbaijan, Turkey, or Russian control.
He added: “If these are Western countries, then [the Prime Minister] would be ready to transfer at least 99% of the shares. The primary objective is to resolve contradictions and sign a peace deal with Azerbaijan so that Armenia’s security is provided by Western nations and to create additional grounds for rapprochement with the West.”
Earlier, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved a joint statement on implementing the TRIPP project. The agreement involves establishing a TRIPP Development Company to manage the project for 49 years. Initially, the company will have 74% U.S. shares and 26% Armenian shares, with Yerevan’s stake potentially increasing to 49%.
The project aims to connect Azerbaijan with the Nakhichevan Autonomous Region through Armenian territory, including automobile, railway, and oil and gas infrastructure.
