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Iran's concerns over a US presence near its borders are "rational and legitimate," the Iranian ambassador to Armenia said, even as Yerevan has assured Tehran that the Trump Route transport project will not pose threats to Iran, as reported by TASS.
Coverage Comparison
TASS, the Russian state news agency, has published multiple reports on the Trump Route project, offering perspectives from Russian officials, Armenian leadership, and an Iranian diplomat. The outlet's coverage spans statements from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Iranian Ambassador Khalil Shirgolami, as well as an op-ed from South Caucasus expert David Martirosyan.
Key Claims
Russia's Role and the Route's Security
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said the Trump Route will pass through an area guarded by Russian border troops, who have for decades secured Armenia's borders with Turkey and Iran alongside their Armenian counterparts. "Thus, one way or another, Russia’s position will have to be taken into account," he said, adding that the project would benefit from Russian participation.
Galuzin also noted that Armenia's railways are managed by the South Caucasus Railway Closed Joint-Stock Company, a subsidiary of Russian Railways, and that transit through Armenia must follow the norms and rules of the Eurasian Economic Union, an organization Armenia states it does not wish to leave.
Doubts on the Project's Prospects
Galuzin said the prospects for implementing the Trump Route project are "certainly mixed." He cited Iran's likely displeasure at a US presence on its northern border and suggested that China would also be dissatisfied with American control over a segment of the route connecting Central Asia to Europe.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk told TASS that the signing of the Trump Route agreement had disrupted the regional balance in the South Caucasus.
EU Alternatives Called Exaggerated
In an op-ed for TASS, expert David Martirosyan argued that the European Union is unable to offer Azerbaijan and Armenia opportunities comparable to the benefits of cooperation with Russia. He said the EU's claims of "billions of euros in profit" from transport route development do not reflect economic reality and serve as a "political tool." Martirosyan noted that actual transit cargo volumes and investment remain low, and regional infrastructure is not prepared for significant volumes.
Armenia's Railway Restoration Efforts
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Armenia has launched independent operations to restore railway sections leading to its borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan. He said the South Caucasus Railway is involved in these processes. Pashinyan had previously proposed that the Russian side sell its railway concession to a state friendly to both Moscow and Yerevan, listing Kazakhstan, the UAE, and Qatar as options.
Perspectives
Iranian Government
Iranian Ambassador Khalil Shirgolami stated that Iran's concerns over the US presence near its borders are rational and legitimate, citing Washington's violation of ceasefire agreements with Iran. He said the Armenian government has assured Iran that the project will not create challenges for Tehran, but stressed the need for clear risk assessments and a mechanism to address potential threats.
Russian Government
Russian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, have emphasized Russia's indispensable role in the region and expressed skepticism about the project's prospects, citing concerns from Iran and China and the disruption of the regional balance.
Armenian Government
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has affirmed Armenia's commitment to the project and its independent actions to restore railway infrastructure, while managing property and legal consultations with Russia. He has assured Iran that the project will not pose threats.