Armenia ratifies the Trump Route as Iran rejects foreign forces on its border

According to Armenian Weekly, parliament approved the framework agreement with the United States on 28 October by 63 votes in favour and 32 against; JAMnews reports that only the ruling camp voted yes. TRIPP is the short name for the Trump Route through Syunik that will link Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan. The development company to be set up will be 74% owned by the US and 26% by Armenia. It receives exclusive land rights for 49 years; if the term is extended by 50 years, Armenia's share rises to 49%. JAMnews puts the Armenian section of the railway at about 43 km. Opposition figure Armen Ashotyan put the infrastructure cost at more than 2.4 billion dollars, and JAMnews reports the opposition saying no financial assessment was carried out.

Tehran speaks with two voices. According to the Mirror-Spectator, Ambassador Khalil Shirgholami voiced serious concerns about the project on 30 October and asked Armenia for a guarantee that no foreign force would be present on the border. Foreign Minister Araghchi, by contrast, had said in Yerevan on 16 October that he trusted his Armenian partners. Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan had argued on 5 October that Tehran was satisfied with the assurances given. Shirgholami stressed on 30 October that the implementation mechanisms were not yet clear.

Ratification does not start construction. According to JAMnews, the company charter and partnership agreement have yet to be drafted. Washington says it is too early for construction, and Baku's statement that work will not begin before 2027 confirms this. The peace treaty is a separate knot: Azerbaijan makes a constitutional change a condition for signing, and the ruling party lacks a two-thirds majority. Pashinyan said on 22 October he could call an early election if he fails to secure support. On 30 October the Ankara Declaration tied the route, under the name Zangezur, to the Middle Corridor, so Türkiye's gain is locked to Yerevan's timetable.