On the Ground of Trump's Regional Peace Corridor: Russian Guards, Iranian Trucks and a Rusting Railway
A deserted terminal, a few rusted carriages and a dozen metres of track are all that remains of a Soviet railway in southern Armenia.
It may seem unlikely, this derelict stretch of track in the South Caucasus has been designated to become a symbol of diplomatic peace by the US president, known as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity.
Dispersed throughout are remains of a statue from a memorial to a communist hero. A female statue has lost one limb.
"We stand upon this proposed corridor, also known as Peace Junction, the ancient trade route, and the Zangezur Corridor," notes a local journalist. "However currently none of this appears Western."
Peace Negotiations
This represents a longstanding conflict the US president asserts to have brought to an end, through a diplomatic settlement between Armenia and its historical rival Azerbaijan.
The proposal outlines American corporations moving in under a 99-year deal to develop the 26-mile corridor through Armenia's sovereign land along its entire border with Iran, establishing a corridor linking Azerbaijan to its exclave of Nakhchivan.
Rail transport, motorway and energy conduits are all promised and Trump has spoken of corporations investing "a lot of money, which will economically benefit the three participating countries".
On the ground, the magnitude of the undertaking is clear. This transport link must be constructed from scratch, but diplomatic obstacles far outweigh economic issues.
Geopolitical Implications
The American involvement could reshape international relations of an area that Moscow considers as its regional domain. Hardliners in Tehran express concern and have warned to halt the initiative.
This peace initiative plays a crucial role in resolving longstanding tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan that originated from Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijani territory historically populated by.
In 2023, Azerbaijan recaptured the disputed region, and virtually the entire ethnic Armenians fled their homes. This was not the initial displacement in these hostilities: in the 1990s half a million Azerbaijani citizens became refugees.
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US mediation became possible because of Moscow's diminished influence in this strategic region.
Over time, the Kremlin worked towards restoring the passage that now bears US presidential designation.
Although Russia's proposal for Russian security forces to protect the planned route was declined, they still patrol the section of the Armenia‑Iran border that has been chosen for the Trump route.
The southern Armenian province represents a key hub for international trade, and commercial vehicles and traders from Iran commonly appear. Iranian construction companies are constructing a new bridge that will intersect the planned corridor.
This border waterway that separates the Islamic Republic and Armenia represents the exact path the corridor will traverse.
Remains uncertain how the US and Iranian companies will co-exist in Armenia, considering American participation in the Israel‑Iran war.
Regional Cooperation Prospects
Additionally exists growing Western involvement in Armenia's southern territories.
French authorities initiated military equipment transfers to Yerevan and has opened a consulate in Syunik. European Union observers operates within the region, and the future Trump route European officials view as part of a "middle corridor" linking it with Asian markets and bypassing Russia.
Ankara shows interest to capitalize on opportunities arising from waning Russian influence.
Ankara is in talks with Armenia to establish diplomatic ties and has voiced support for Tripp, which would create immediate connectivity from Turkey to Azerbaijan through the separated region.
Armenia's government shows composure about multiple international stakes. Authorities aspire for a "International Peace Junction" where every neighboring nation will co-operate.
"Officials claim everything will be fine and that there will be billions of euros, new roads and trade with Iran, America, Europe, Turkey and Azerbaijan," the journalist comments while expressing skepticism.
An official settlement between the two nations has not yet been signed, but certain facts emerge: since the Washington meeting, not a single shot has been fired on their shared frontier.
The presidential involvement has brought some immediate respite to residents who long experienced anxiety of resumed hostilities.
