Armenia’s ‘Trump Road’: A Geopolitical Gamble for Regional Connectivity

Armenia is pushing ahead with an ambitious infrastructure project dubbed the “Trump Road” (TRIPP), with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signaling construction could commence in the latter half of 2026. This initiative is not merely about transportation; it’s a high-stakes political endeavor that Pashinyan intends to champion as a cornerstone of his “Civil Contract” party’s platform for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

The project aims to establish a vital transit route, leased from Armenia for a period of 99 years, connecting Baku to Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave. Historically known by various names such as the “Zangezur Corridor” by Azerbaijan and the “Meghri Road” by Armenia, TRIPP is central to Pashinyan’s broader “Crossroads of Peace” vision for regional integration. For Baku, it represents a direct link to Nakhchivan, while the United States positions itself as a mediator and peacemaker, fostering security and cooperation between Yerevan and Baku.

According to Pashinyan, the blueprint for TRIPP is expected to be finalized by the close of 2025, building on negotiations with contractors that began last October. The project has now moved into a crucial phase of establishing a working group and a consortium for infrastructure development. The first half of 2026 is earmarked for securing approval from all stakeholders, paving the way for construction to begin in the second half of the year. Pashinyan emphasized the importance of adhering to this timeline, acknowledging the strain on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s team, which is reportedly managing other significant projects, including in the Middle East.

The Armenian Prime Minister provided further details on the planned infrastructure, confirming that the railway component will utilize the footprint of the Soviet-era route, as alternative alignments are deemed impractical. He noted that the routing for gas pipelines and electrical grids would be located further north, though specific details regarding their exact path – whether entirely within Syunik province or partially extending into Vayots Dzor – are still being determined based on geodesic and other factors. The project also envisions integrating East-West highway segments with the existing North-South artery.

A pivotal aspect of the “Trump Road” is its adherence to terms favorable to Azerbaijan, which were reportedly agreed upon during discussions in Washington on August 8. Pashinyan affirmed that the comprehensive document, endorsed by both Armenian and Azerbaijani leadership, enshrines principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, legality, reciprocity, and inviolability of borders. Complementing this, Armenian Vice Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, who heads Armenia’s delimitation commission, suggested that accelerating border demarcation in the Syunik region might be necessary to expedite TRIPP’s construction, potentially involving extraordinary delimitation processes to facilitate infrastructure development.

This infrastructure push is already showing signs of easing regional tensions, with Baku partially lifting its economic blockade on Yerevan. Armenia has begun receiving grain from Kazakhstan and Russia via Azerbaijani transit. While current volumes are modest, Astana has expressed readiness to significantly increase deliveries. This development comes as Armenia, historically reliant on Russian wheat transported through Georgia, indicates an openness to alternative, more financially attractive suppliers while reaffirming its commitment to Russian imports.

Domestically, the “Trump Road” remains a contentious issue. Political analyst Hrant Mikaelyan observed that Pashinyan has effectively made TRIPP a personal flagship project for the 2026 parliamentary elections, underscoring his unique position as arguably the only Armenian politician capable of advancing such an initiative. Mikaelyan warned that a victory for the opposition would likely halt the project. Despite remaining uncertainties regarding the specifics of the 99-year lease, security arrangements, and other details, Mikaelyan pointed to Pashinyan’s history of swift resolution through executive decisions or agreements.

However, the project faces considerable headwinds. Armenian opposition media have alleged that their actions derailed a planned visit by Donald Trump Jr. to discuss the project, citing an interview by Narek Karapetyan, nephew of businessman Samvel Karapetyan, with Tucker Carlson, which reportedly highlighted governmental pressures on the Armenian Apostolic Church. Pashinyan’s administration, however, denies any knowledge of such a visit or its cancellation, placing the burden of explanation on those who made the claims.

Despite these internal political squabbles, international backing for TRIPP appears robust. On September 11, Brendan Hanrahan, Director of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, confirmed during a meeting with Vice Prime Minister Grigoryan that Yerevan would receive $145 million as initial funding for the project, signaling sustained U.S. commitment to this transformative regional endeavor.