Еxpert warns of risks in U.S.-backed corridor

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian political scientist and historian Dmitri Simes stated that the implementation of the Trump Route transport project could complicate Armenia’s relations with Russia and Iran.

Speaking to Panorama.am , Simes noted that while he cannot say whether the initiative was designed as an anti-Russian project, its consequences are clear.

“From an objective standpoint, this project could create complications in Armenia’s relations with Russia, as well as with Iran,” he said.

According to him, it is up to the Armenian people to decide whether the project serves their national interests.

“But to think that, geopolitically, Armenia could agree to such a step without paying a price in its relations with Russia, and without straining ties with Moscow, would be naïve,” Simes stressed.

In Washington, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and U.S. President Donald Trump officially agreed to launch the Trump Route. The corridor will allow Azerbaijan to reach Nakhichevan while “fully respecting Armenia’s sovereignty.” Armenia also established an exclusive partnership with the U.S. to develop the project, which could be extended up to 99 years. Trump said major American companies are eager to invest, bringing substantial economic benefits to all three countries.