A risk management mechanism must be developed: Iranian ambassador on TRIPP

Armenia must develop a mechanism that will allow realizing the potential of unblocking regional communications, while taking into account possible risks and threats to Iran in the event of American presence.

This was stated by Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Khalil Shirgolami at a press conference on Wednesday, commenting on the TRIPP project ("Trump Route").

"Iran's concern about the presence of Americans near its borders is absolutely legitimate and logical. A clear response must be given to these concerns," the diplomat said.

According to him, the Armenian authorities assured Tehran that the implementation of the project will not create any challenges or threats for Iran related to the possible presence of the US.

The TRIPP project (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity — "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity") provides for the creation of a strategic transit corridor through Armenia's Syunik region. According to the published concept, the route will operate within Armenian jurisdiction and will not affect the country's sovereignty. At the same time, the US may receive exclusive rights to its development for up to 99 years. It is planned to create a company where the American side will initially own 74% of the shares, Armenia — 26%, with the possibility of increasing the Armenian share to 49% upon extension of the agreement.

On May 26, during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Yerevan, the parties initialed a framework agreement on strategic partnership within the TRIPP project, as well as the Charter of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Armenia and the US.