Iran has ‘nothing to worry about’ regarding ‘business project’ TRIPP, says Armenian Vice Speaker
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Armenian Vice Speaker of Parliament Ruben Rubinyan from the ruling Civil Contract Party rejected the latest remarks by a senior Iranian official regarding the TRIPP project.
Ali Akbar Velayati, Senior International Affairs Advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, reportedly said at a meeting with the Armenian ambassador that Iran “absolutely opposes” TRIPP and that the project “is no different from the Zangezur corridor.” The Iranian official claimed that the project is a threat to the security of northern Iran and creates conditions for NATO’s presence north of the country.
Asked to comment, Rubinyan rejected Velayati’s description of TRIPP as being no different from the “Zangezur corridor” narrative used by Azerbaijan, which implied extraterritoriality.
Rubinyan emphasized that TRIPP will function under Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction.
“Our ambassador has reiterated to the Iranian side that TRIPP is a business project that will operate fully under Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction, and on the principles of equality and reciprocity. No, TRIPP is not the same as the so-called ‘Zangezur corridor.’ As for Iran’s positions, we are in constant contact with our Iranian partners, we keep them informed about developments, we take their sensitivities into account, and their interests are duly considered,” Rubinyan said.
The Vice Speaker highlighted the fact that Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly confirmed that Iran’s red lines are being taken into account in the TRIPP project and that it also creates opportunities for Iran. Rubinyan said he believes these statements remain valid. He added that Armenia takes into account official statements issued by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“It is out of the question that there could be any project in Armenia that would contradict Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity or that would not be under Armenia’s full jurisdiction. We take into account all the vital interests of our neighbors, and in Iran’s case, those interests largely coincide with Armenia’s. We do not believe there is anything to worry about, and in this regard we are in contact with all our partners. We are also encouraged by the fact that Iran’s Foreign Ministry has repeatedly stated that there is genuinely no [extraterritorial] corridor issue in this matter and that Iran’s red lines are being taken into account as well. Above all, this is Armenia’s red line: there will be no extraterritorial corridor through Armenia,” Rubinyan said.
The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is a connectivity project in Armenia, envisaged under the U.S.-brokered Armenian-Azerbaijani joint declaration signed in Washington, D.C. The project is expected to unlock strategic economic opportunities, create long-term benefits by promoting infrastructure investment, and enhance regional connectivity. TRIPP is part of the Crossroads of Peace project, and an Armenian-American joint enterprise is expected to develop the route.