In the rugged terrain of southern Armenia, remnants of a Soviet-era railway stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era. Yet, this derelict stretch of track is poised to become the cornerstone of a groundbreaking peace initiative spearheaded by former US President Donald Trump. Dubbed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (Tripp), this ambitious project aims to transform the region into a symbol of reconciliation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, two nations long embroiled in conflict.
The Tripp proposal envisions a 43-kilometer corridor through Armenian territory, linking Azerbaijan to its exclave of Nakhchivan. This route, which will include a railway, motorway, and pipelines, is expected to be developed by US companies under a 99-year agreement. Trump has touted the economic benefits, claiming it will bring prosperity to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the US. However, the project faces significant political and logistical challenges, including opposition from Iran and Russia, both of whom view the initiative as a threat to their regional influence.
The roots of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict trace back to the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, which Azerbaijan recaptured in 2023, displacing thousands of Armenians. Trump’s intervention in August 2025 marked a turning point, as he brokered a deal between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. While the agreement has brought temporary peace, details remain vague, and the timeline for Tripp’s construction is uncertain.
Russia, historically dominant in the South Caucasus, has seen its influence wane, paving the way for US mediation. Despite Moscow’s proposal to guard the route being rejected, Russian border troops continue to patrol the Armenia-Iran border. Meanwhile, Iran, a neighbor to both nations, has expressed mixed reactions, with hardliners threatening to derail the project. However, Armenia has assured Tehran that Tripp poses no threat to its interests.
The initiative has also attracted European attention, with France and the EU viewing it as part of a broader ‘middle corridor’ linking Europe to Central Asia and China. Turkey, eager to capitalize on Russia’s declining influence, has voiced support for Tripp, which would create a direct link to Azerbaijan.
For Armenia, the project represents hope for economic revival in regions abandoned for decades. Local journalist Marut Vanyan, who fled the conflict in 2023, remains cautiously optimistic. ‘They say there will be billions in investment, new roads, and trade with Iran, America, Europe, Turkey, and Azerbaijan,’ he says with a skeptical smile. While a formal peace treaty remains elusive, the absence of violence on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border since the Washington meeting offers a glimmer of hope for lasting peace.