Countries should avoid projects that bypass one another, and the TRIPP project should be implemented with that in mind, Iran expert says

Iran expert Nver Davtyan believes that countries in the South Caucasus should avoid projects that bypass one another and instead focus on common interests in order to achieve comprehensive regional connectivity, arguing that the TRIPP project should be implemented from that perspective.

Speaking to Armenpress, Davtyan discussed the geoeconomic and logistical aspects of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, as well as its implementation prospects.

According to him, the project primarily envisages the comprehensive unblocking of regional transport infrastructure, although most public discussion has focused on the Meghri section and the possibility of gaining access through Nakhchivan to Iran, the Persian Gulf and Arab countries.

“If we view TRIPP solely in the context of East-West transport links, it would offer little more than transit revenues from a 43-kilometre route and perhaps contribute to strengthening relations between Armenia and the United States. However, if we examine it from the perspective of broader regional opportunities, it becomes clear that the project requires the alignment of the vital interests of several countries. Iran’s railway network must operate at full capacity and have uninterrupted access to the Black Sea through Armenia,” Davtyan said.

He added that the future of Iran-U.S. relations will also be important, as Tehran sees certain risks associated with the project and has openly acknowledged them, while seeking ways to manage those risks. According to Davtyan, the opportunities for Iran and Armenia differ.

“The question is whether we can keep those risks under control so that the project is not undermined by tensions between Iran and the United States and Armenia, as an important regional infrastructure hub, is not left empty-handed. In other words, there are issues whose resolution does not depend on us alone. TRIPP is not limited to building transport infrastructure along the 43-kilometre Meghri section. It must also provide Armenia with rail access to the Persian Gulf and Iran with rail access to the Black Sea,” he said.

Davtyan noted that Armenia offers official Tehran a number of attractive economic, infrastructure and political opportunities and has consistently sought to convince its Iranian partners that the Iranian route would operate without disruption. He added that Tehran is particularly interested in reopening the Julfa-Nakhchivan-Yerask railway section, which it considers an important component of the broader project and one that TRIPP should make possible.

“The project’s implementation also depends on Azerbaijan’s political will. Is Azerbaijan prepared to ensure uninterrupted transport through Nakhchivan? The issue also falls within Azerbaijan’s sphere of interests. Türkiye’s role must also be taken into account, because Ankara is seeking to strengthen its position as a gateway to Europe. Therefore, if there is an effort to end Nakhchivan’s isolation, the same approach should be applied to Armenia, taking Armenian interests into consideration. We need to promote our position more actively during political consultations by presenting convincing and credible arguments. Ultimately, all countries should avoid projects that bypass one another and instead focus on common interests. TRIPP should be implemented from precisely that perspective,” Davtyan concluded.

Armenia and the United States signed a framework agreement on the TRIPP project on June 4.

Following the signing, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the project had entered the implementation phase and that there were no political or financial obstacles to its execution.