Pashinyan says " Trump Route" could spur cooperation in Armenia and South Caucasus among countries with strained relations

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed concerns that the "Trump Route," to be created under a joint declaration signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan and the United States, would harm the trade and logistical interests of Russia and Iran in the region, or reduce China’s future role in key trade flows from Asia to Europe.

Pashinyan outlined how the Trump Route project could impact Armenia–Russia relations.

“With this project, Armenia gains a railway connection with Russia, which we have not had for 30 years. In this logic, we could obtain that railway connection either through the Trump Route or without it, as the connection could also be established via the Georgia-Azerbaijan route. Not to mention that there could be another scenario. Let’s not forget that Armenia’s railways are under Russian control and, perhaps, Russia will become interested in investing to restore the Ijevan-Hrazdan railway and the Ijevan-Kazakh railway. Of course, Azerbaijan’s consent would also be necessary here,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed that Armenia would also gain a railway connection with Iran through the project, which he described as highly significant.

“We get a railway connection with Central Asia, including through a ferry link. China gains a new railway route to the West, which does not exist at the moment. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the perspective from which the issue is addressed. Yes, there is an interpretation that it could create problems for the interests of Russia or Iran, but let’s also look at it from another angle. Maybe this project could become a good opportunity for economic cooperation to begin between Iran and the United States, and between Russia and the United States,” Pashinyan noted.

He pointed out that an Iranian company is implementing the construction of the North–South highway and that construction of the railway in the Meghri section will begin in the near future.

“This may also open up an important opportunity for cooperation, including the possibility of resuming operation of the Yeraskh–Akhurik railway,” he said.

Pashinyan emphasized that the project could serve as a platform for unexpected but positive partnerships.

“The Crossroads of Peace  will be justified by this, because countries that may have problems will get an opportunity to cooperate in Armenia and the South Caucasus,” he concluded.