Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Khalil Shirgholami has Tehran’s position on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), saying that the project must preserve Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and avoid harming Iran-Armenia relations.

Speaking at a conference on TRIPP in Yerevan, Shirgholami maintained that Iran remains firmly opposed to the concept of a “Zangezur Corridor,” which Tehran views as potentially reducing Armenia’s control over its territory. He indicated that Iran would take a “very serious” position if Armenia’s sovereignty or territorial integrity were placed under threat.

The ambassador stated that Tehran’s position on TRIPP differs from its earlier objections to the “Zangezur Corridor” concept. According to Shirgholami, Iran would not object to the project provided Armenia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are preserved, the country’s economic interests are taken into account, and any American presence near the Armenian-Iranian border does not create a security threat to Iran.

Shirgholami also emphasized the importance of the project’s implementation mechanisms, arguing that clear institutional arrangements and oversight would be necessary to address potential disputes and safeguard Armenia’s interests. The ambassador highlighted that Iran had proposed creating mechanisms through which emerging issues could be managed during the implementation process.

The Iranian diplomat tied Tehran’s position to its broader interest in Armenia’s connectivity, particularly through Syunik Province, which he assessed as strategically important for Armenia’s links with Iran. Shirgholami noted that projects improving connectivity without affecting Armenia’s sovereignty or bilateral relations with Iran would not create a problem for Tehran.

Shirgholami further discussed the significance of regional cooperation formats and argued that extra-regional powers should avoid interfering in regional affairs. The Iranian Ambassador called TRIPP an important test of Armenia’s ability to balance economic interests, sovereignty, and relations with its neighbors.

Tehran’s position differentiates between the earlier “Zangezur Corridor” concept, which it has scrutinized, and the TRIPP framework, whose materialization it deems acceptable provided Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are preserved, its economic interests are protected, and Iran’s security concerns are considered.