The plan to construct the Zangezur Corridor in Armenia has been moved to the operational phase, creating challenges in the domestic political arena and regional relations. This project, implemented under the title 'TRIPP' (Trump's Route for International Peace and Prosperity), aims to connect the Zangilan region of Azerbaijan to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through Armenian territory.
Project Details and Timeline of Operations
The 'TRIPP' project includes the construction of a highway and railway at the southernmost point of Syunik Province in Armenia. This plan gained particular attention following the trilateral meeting between Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, and Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, with Donald Trump, the President of the United States, on August 8, 2025. The project has been presented as a key element in reviving transit routes in South Caucasus and is expected to assist in reopening borders and establishing railway connections with Turkey and Azerbaijan.
According to Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, executive works in Armenian territory are unlikely to begin before 2027; however, Azerbaijan is completing its relevant sections of the Zangezur Corridor and preparing for the modernization of the Nakhchivan railway.
Political Considerations and Domestic Challenges
Despite the potential economic benefits, this project faces strong opposition from the Armenian opposition. The opposition is vehemently against the current model of normalizing relations with Azerbaijan and demands security guarantees for reopening routes and determining border demarcations. Narek Karapetyan, the leader of the 'Prosperous Armenia' faction, has repeatedly emphasized that the government is making concessions without receiving peace guarantees.
The manifestation of political tensions has been evident in physical confrontations in the Armenian parliament. In one instance, Edgar Ghazaryan, a representative of the opposition faction, accused government officials of corruption, leading to a confrontation with representatives of the ruling party. These tensions reflect the tense political atmosphere in Armenia, where the government is attempting to implement new changes in foreign and economic policy.
The 'TRIPP' project, as a strategic plan, could help improve Armenia's economic situation and communications, but it requires careful management and agreement on technical and political conditions. If successful, this project could help Armenia connect to new international logistics chains while also providing Turkey and Azerbaijan with more direct access to new markets.
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