TRIPP Is Not the Zangezur Corridor: Ruben Rubinyan Addresses Iran’s Concerns

YEREVAN — “First, it is important to recall what our ambassador conveyed to the Iranian side. The ambassador reiterated that TRIPP is a commercial project that will operate fully under Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction, based on principles of mutual equality. And no — TRIPP is not the same as the Zangezur corridor.”

This was stated by Ruben Rubinyan, Vice President of the National Assembly of Armenia, during a briefing with journalists in parliament, commenting on reports that concerns have been voiced from Iran regarding the so-called “Trump Route.” In particular, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader reportedly stated during a meeting with Armenia’s ambassador that TRIPP follows the same logic as the Zangezur corridor.

Addressing Iran’s position, Rubinyan said that Armenia remains in constant communication with its Iranian partners, regularly informing them of developments and taking their sensitivities into account.

“Iran’s interests have been considered, and in this regard it is very important to note that Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs — including the foreign minister himself — has repeatedly stated that this project respects Iran’s red lines and also creates opportunities for Iran. I believe this position remains valid,” Rubinyan said.

Responding to a follow-up question about why such statements continue to emerge from Iran, Rubinyan emphasized that one must distinguish between unofficial remarks and a country’s official stance, which is expressed by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“We rely on statements from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We can clearly state the following:

1. a) Any project in Armenia that contradicts Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, or full jurisdiction is categorically excluded.
2. b) We take into account all vital interests of our neighbors, and in Iran’s case, those interests largely align with Armenia’s.”

Rubinyan added that there is no cause for concern and that Armenia remains in close contact with all its partners. He also noted that Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly stated that there is no issue of an extraterritorial corridor in this matter and that Iran’s red lines are respected.

“In reality, this is not only Iran’s red line — it is first and foremost Armenia’s red line. There will be no extraterritorial corridor through the territory of Armenia,” Ruben Rubinyan stated.