Iran threatens to 'break Trump's legs' over transport corridor through Armenia

Tehran's threat in response to the ratification of the agreement

Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader on international affairs, issued a stern warning to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and US President Donald Trump. The statement was prompted by the Armenian parliament's decision to ratify an agreement on cooperation with the US regarding the TRIPP project, known as 'Trump's Route for International Peace and Prosperity'. In a statement published by the Iranian newspaper Ettela'at, Velayati declared that American participation in establishing a transport corridor through Armenia constitutes a 'red line' for Tehran. 'I have stated unequivocally to the Armenian ambassador: if [US President Donald] Trump and his allies attempt to cross this red line of ours, we will break their legs,' the Iranian politician emphasized. According to the advisor, such steps contradict the interests of the Armenian people, increase the country's dependence on the West, and provoke a new wave of tension in the South Caucasus.

Project implementation conditions and ownership structure

Despite threats from Iran, Armenia continues to implement the project, which is intended to connect the main part of Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan through Armenian territory. It was previously reported that Armenia intends to ban the transport of weapons and hazardous cargo along the 'Trump Route'. The republic's Foreign Minister, Ararat Mirzoyan, clarified that free movement along the transport corridor does not imply unrestricted transport of any goods: restrictions will apply to weapons, ammunition, and hazardous chemical substances. To implement the project, the parties plan to establish a joint company in which the US side will initially receive 74% of shares, while Armenia will hold 26%. Previously, the US also promised to 'invest its full potential' in reforming the Armenian army.

Russia's reaction and geopolitical consequences

The Armenian parliament's approval of the agreement with the US to create a transport route connecting the main territory of Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan brings no benefits to Russia. Vladimir Evseev, Deputy Director of the Commonwealth of Independent States Institute, stated that Moscow will consider 'various options' for a response to these actions. The Iranian side emphasizes that US participation in the project creates geopolitical confrontation in the region, which could affect the balance of power in the South Caucasus.