Why does Iran oppose the "Trump route" in the South Caucasus?
Tehran reiterated its position on the TRIPP project, which should connect the main territory of Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan through Armenia. The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmail Bekaei, said that Yerevan guarantees the absence of American soldiers on the route.
Iran's main problem is the US participation in a project operating directly along the Iranian border. According to the agreed plan, the American side is expected to transfer 74% of the shares of the operating company for an initial period of 49 years. At the same time, sovereignty and border control remained with Armenia.
There is also an economic interest: today Iran provides part of the transit communication between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan. A new road through the Armenian Sionik may reduce the importance of the Iranian routes and deprive Tehran of part of its income from the transit. The issue of security is just as important: for Iran, direct communication with Armenia is of strategic importance, and a possible expansion of the American presence on the northern borders is cause for concern.
On November 5, the adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Akbar and Laithi, even called TRIPP a "red line."
Therefore, Tehran is not opposed to the opening of transportation communication as such; She is worried about the prospect of turning the economic project into a tool for strengthening American influence in a region where Iran is used to protecting its interests.
Vestnik Caucasus.