🔗 Share this article Field Observations of Trump's Caucasus Peace Route: Russian Guards, Iranian Trucks and a Rusting Railway The planned international corridor is planned to be built on the ruins of a Soviet railroad A deserted terminal, several corroded railcars and limited stretches of railway constitute the only remnants of a Soviet railway in Armenia's southern region. It may seem unlikely, this derelict stretch of track in the South Caucasus has been designated to transform into an emblem of diplomatic peace by the US president, known as the Tripp initiative for Global Stability and Economic Growth. Scattered around are remains of a statue from a memorial to a communist hero. A female statue has lost one limb. "We are on this proposed corridor, alternatively called Crossroads of Peace, the Silk Road, and the regional passageway," says a local journalist. "But so far none of this looks American." Peace Negotiations This represents a longstanding conflict Trump claims to have successfully resolved, through a diplomatic settlement between the Armenian government and its long-time enemy Azerbaijan. The plan envisages US companies establishing presence under a 99-year deal to develop the 43km route through Armenia's sovereign land along its entire border with Iran, establishing a corridor linking Azerbaijan to its separated territory of Nakhchivan. A railway, highway and energy conduits are all promised and Trump has spoken of corporations investing "a lot of money, which will economically benefit the three participating countries". At the site, the scale of the challenge becomes apparent. This transport link must be constructed from scratch, but political hurdles far outweigh financial considerations. Geopolitical Implications The American involvement might transform the geopolitics of a region that Russia claims as its sphere of influence. Conservative factions in Iran are also worried and are threatening to block the project. This peace initiative is key to ending a conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan that started over Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijani territory with historical Armenian presence. In 2023, Azerbaijan recaptured the contested area, and nearly all ethnic Armenians were displaced. This was not the first such expulsion in these hostilities: during the 1990s half a million Azerbaijani citizens were displaced. Marut Vanyan stands close to the Aras river that separates Armenia from Iran Global Participants US mediation became possible because of Moscow's diminished influence in this strategic region. For years, the Kremlin worked towards re-opening the route that currently carries an American president's name. Although Russia's proposal for its FSB border troops to guard the future road was declined, Russian units continue monitoring the section of the Armenian-Iranian frontier that was selected as the Trump route. Armenia's Syunik region is also a key hub for international trade, and businessmen and trucks from Iran commonly appear. Persian engineering firms are building a new bridge that will intersect the planned corridor. The Aras River that divides Iranian and Armenian territory represents the exact path the route is set follow. Remains uncertain how the US and Iranian companies will co-exist in Armenia, given recent US involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts. International Collaboration Armenia expects fresh capital in regions neglected for three decades Additionally exists increased European presence in southern Armenia. French authorities initiated military equipment transfers to Armenian leadership and established a consulate in Syunik. European Union observers operates within the region, and the future Trump route is seen by the EU as component of an alternative route connecting Europe to Asian markets and bypassing Russia. Ankara shows interest to benefit from opportunities arising from waning Russian influence. Ankara is in talks with Yerevan to establish diplomatic ties and has voiced support for Tripp, which would establish immediate connectivity from Turkey to Azerbaijan through the separated region. Yerevan's administration appears calm about multiple international stakes. It wants to become a "International Peace Junction" where every neighboring nation can collaborate. "Officials claim everything will be fine and that we can expect billions of euros, new roads and commercial relations involving Iran, America, Europe, Turkey and Azerbaijan," the journalist comments while expressing skepticism. An official settlement between Azerbaijan and Armenia remains unsigned, but certain facts emerge: following the American summit, no gunfire has been fired on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. The presidential involvement has brought some immediate respite to those who for years have lived in fear of resumed hostilities.