🔗 Share this article On the Ground of Trump's Regional Peace Corridor: Russian Guards, Persian Vehicles and a Rusting Railway The proposed Trump peace route would be constructed on the ruins of a Soviet railroad An abandoned station, several corroded railcars and limited stretches of railway are all that remains of former Soviet railroad in Armenia's southern region. While appearing improbable, this derelict stretch of railway in the Caucasus region has been selected to transform into an emblem of peace brokered by the US president, known as the Tripp initiative for Global Stability and Economic Growth. Dispersed throughout are fragments of a head from a memorial to a Soviet-era figure. A female statue is missing an arm. "We stand upon the Trump route, alternatively called Peace Junction, the ancient trade route, and the Zangezur Corridor," notes a local journalist. "But so far none of this looks American." Peace Negotiations This represents one of the "unendable wars" Trump claims to have brought to an end, through a diplomatic settlement between the Armenian government and its historical rival Azerbaijan. The plan envisages US companies moving in under a century-long agreement to develop the 43km route through Armenia's sovereign land along its entire border with Iran, creating a passageway linking Azerbaijan to its separated territory of Nakhchivan. A railway, motorway and energy conduits have all been pledged and Trump has spoken of corporations investing "a lot of money, that will financially advantage all three of our nations". On the ground, the magnitude of the undertaking is clear. This transport link must be constructed from scratch, but political hurdles significantly exceed financial considerations. Geopolitical Implications Trump's intervention might transform international relations of an area that Russia claims as its sphere of influence. Hardliners in Tehran are also worried and are threatening to halt the initiative. The Tripp proposal plays a crucial role in resolving longstanding tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan that originated from Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijani territory historically populated by. During 2023, Azerbaijan recaptured the contested area, and virtually the entire ethnic Armenians were displaced. This was not the first such expulsion in this conflict: during the 1990s over 500,000 Azerbaijanis became refugees. Marut Vanyan stands near the border waterway that separates Armenia from Iran International Stakeholders American diplomatic efforts were enabled because of Moscow's diminished influence in the South Caucasus. Over time, the Kremlin worked towards restoring the passage that now bears US presidential designation. Although Russia's proposal for its FSB border troops to protect the planned route was declined, they still patrol the stretch of the Armenian-Iranian frontier that was selected as the Trump route. Armenia's Syunik region represents a key hub for international trade, and businessmen and trucks from Iran commonly appear. Persian engineering firms are constructing a new bridge that will cross the future Tripp. The Aras River that divides Iranian and Armenian territory represents the exact path the corridor will traverse. It is unclear how the US and Iranian companies will co-exist in Armenia, considering American participation in Middle Eastern conflicts. International Collaboration Armenia expects new investment in regions neglected for three decades There is also increased European presence in southern Armenia. France has recently started selling weapons to Armenian leadership and established a consulate in Syunik. An EU monitoring mission operates within this area, and the proposed corridor is seen by the EU as component of an alternative route connecting Europe to Asian markets and avoiding Russian territory. Turkey is also eager to benefit from opportunities arising from diminished Moscow presence. Ankara is in talks with Armenia to establish diplomatic ties and has voiced support for the peace initiative, which would create immediate connectivity from Turkish territory to Azerbaijan through the separated region. Yerevan's administration appears calm about multiple international stakes. Authorities aspire for a "Crossroads of Peace" where every neighboring nation will co-operate. "They say everything will be fine and that there will be massive European investment, new roads and commercial relations involving Iran, America, Europe, Turkey and Azerbaijan," the journalist comments with an incredulous smile. An official settlement between Azerbaijan and Armenia remains unsigned, but certain facts emerge: since the Washington meeting, not a single shot has occurred on their shared frontier. Trump's intervention has brought at least temporary relief to residents who long have lived in fear of renewed fighting.