One of the key issues shaping the new phase of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations is the implementation of the TRIPP route. Azerbaijan has already completed the necessary infrastructure preparations on its territory. In Armenia, however, the process is reportedly still at an early stage. While the United States is increasing its efforts to facilitate the opening of the route, Iran has expressed concerns over the possible security arrangements for the project and the potential presence of U.S. military forces in the region.
Political commentator Ahmad Shahidov, who is currently in Washington DC, told ARB24 Television that amid the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, Tehran is seeking guarantees that U.S. forces potentially stationed on Armenian territory would not be used against Iran in the future. According to Shahidov, if the U.S. military were to assume responsibility for the security of the TRIPP route, Iran could oppose such an arrangement. Ahmad Shahidov stressed that Iran’s concerns should be taken into consideration.
According to the political commentator, the opening of the TRIPP route could mark the beginning of a new stage of development in the South Caucasus. Ahmad Shahidov noted that Azerbaijan supports the safe and uninterrupted operation of the route and does not want the project to be used against Iran under any circumstances. He said Azerbaijan, Armenia and the United States could soon reach a common understanding on the management, logistics and security of the route, which could also help minimize Iran’s concerns.
