Iran has no objections to TRIPP provided two key conditions are met — Ambassador
23.09.2026,
21:33
Iran has no grounds to object to the implementation of the TRIPP project, provided it does not harm Armenia's territorial integrity and sovereignty or lead to the presence of US military or security forces in the region.
YEREVAN, September 23. /ARKA/. Iran has no grounds to object to the implementation of the TRIPP project, provided it does not harm Armenia's territorial integrity and sovereignty or lead to the presence of US military or security forces in the region. This was stated by Iran's Ambassador to Armenia, Khalil Shirgholami, at the APRI Forum 2026.
"Based on these two conditions—the absence of a threat to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia, and the absence of a US military presence or security forces within the country's borders—we have no grounds to object to this project, provided it contributes to the development and well-being of the Armenian people," Shirgholami said, as quoted by Armenpress.
According to the diplomat, Tehran's fundamental position is to maintain the existing territorial and geopolitical status quo in the South Caucasus.
Addressing statements by Azerbaijan's leadership regarding the so-called "Zangezur Corridor," Shirgholami emphasized that Iran considers any geopolitical changes or actions that could harm Armenia's territorial integrity and sovereignty to be unacceptable.
At the same time, the ambassador noted that Iran supports projects aimed at developing regional connectivity, including the Armenian "Crossroads of Peace" initiative.
Shirgholami also spoke of the need to establish a new balance of power in the South Caucasus, particularly between Armenia and Azerbaijan. According to him, statements about peace alone are insufficient to ensure its long-term sustainability. Discussing Armenian-Iranian relations against the backdrop of Yerevan’s growing ties with the EU and the US, the ambassador stated that Tehran is considering establishing a strategic partnership with Armenia and subsequently formalizing it at an institutional level.
About the TRIPP Project
The "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP) project envisions the creation of unimpeded multimodal transit infrastructure within Armenia, while ensuring the republic retains full sovereignty over the project infrastructure located on its territory. Specifically, the project aims to provide a transport link between the main part of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, as well as to expand regional routes connecting Central Asia and the Caspian region with Europe.
In June 2026, Armenia and the US signed a framework agreement on strategic cooperation regarding TRIPP; a joint Armenian-American entity, TRIPP Development Company, was established to implement the project.
TRIPP is viewed as part of the broader Trans-Caspian trade route. To stimulate private investment along this route, the US launched the Trans-Caspian Enterprise Fund, capitalized with $201 million in US government funds.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stated that TRIPP is primarily an investment project expected to bring billions of dollars in new investment into Armenia.
"Based on these two conditions—the absence of a threat to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia, and the absence of a US military presence or security forces within the country's borders—we have no grounds to object to this project, provided it contributes to the development and well-being of the Armenian people," Shirgholami said, as quoted by Armenpress.
According to the diplomat, Tehran's fundamental position is to maintain the existing territorial and geopolitical status quo in the South Caucasus.
Addressing statements by Azerbaijan's leadership regarding the so-called "Zangezur Corridor," Shirgholami emphasized that Iran considers any geopolitical changes or actions that could harm Armenia's territorial integrity and sovereignty to be unacceptable.
At the same time, the ambassador noted that Iran supports projects aimed at developing regional connectivity, including the Armenian "Crossroads of Peace" initiative.
Shirgholami also spoke of the need to establish a new balance of power in the South Caucasus, particularly between Armenia and Azerbaijan. According to him, statements about peace alone are insufficient to ensure its long-term sustainability. Discussing Armenian-Iranian relations against the backdrop of Yerevan’s growing ties with the EU and the US, the ambassador stated that Tehran is considering establishing a strategic partnership with Armenia and subsequently formalizing it at an institutional level.
About the TRIPP Project
The "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP) project envisions the creation of unimpeded multimodal transit infrastructure within Armenia, while ensuring the republic retains full sovereignty over the project infrastructure located on its territory. Specifically, the project aims to provide a transport link between the main part of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, as well as to expand regional routes connecting Central Asia and the Caspian region with Europe.
In June 2026, Armenia and the US signed a framework agreement on strategic cooperation regarding TRIPP; a joint Armenian-American entity, TRIPP Development Company, was established to implement the project.
TRIPP is viewed as part of the broader Trans-Caspian trade route. To stimulate private investment along this route, the US launched the Trans-Caspian Enterprise Fund, capitalized with $201 million in US government funds.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stated that TRIPP is primarily an investment project expected to bring billions of dollars in new investment into Armenia.
