🔗 Share this article On the Ground of Trump's Caucasus Peace Route: Russian Guards, Iranian Trucks and a Rusting Railway The planned international corridor would be constructed on the ruins of a Soviet railroad A deserted terminal, a few rusted carriages and a dozen metres of track are all that remains of a Soviet railway in southern Armenia. While appearing improbable, this derelict stretch of railway in the Caucasus region has been designated to transform into an emblem of peace brokered by America's leader, known as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. Scattered around are fragments of a head from a memorial to a communist hero. A woman's sculpture has lost one limb. "We are on this proposed corridor, also known as Peace Junction, the ancient trade route, and the regional passageway," notes a local journalist. "However currently nothing here looks American." Regional Conflict Resolution This represents one of the "unendable wars" Trump claims to have successfully resolved, through an agreement between the Armenian government and its long-time enemy Azerbaijan. The proposal outlines US companies moving in under a century-long agreement to develop the 26-mile corridor through Armenian territory along its entire border with Iran, creating a passageway linking Azerbaijan to its separated territory of Nakhchivan. Rail transport, highway and pipelines are all promised and the president has mentioned of companies spending "significant funds, which will economically benefit all three of our nations". At the site, the scale of the challenge is clear. This transport link must be constructed completely new, but diplomatic obstacles significantly exceed financial considerations. Geopolitical Implications Trump's intervention could reshape the geopolitics of a region that Russia claims as its regional domain. Hardliners in Tehran are also worried and have warned to halt the initiative. The Tripp proposal plays a crucial role in resolving longstanding tensions between the two neighboring nations that started over Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijani territory historically populated by. During 2023, Azerbaijan recaptured the disputed region, and virtually the entire ethnic Armenians fled their homes. This was not the initial displacement in this conflict: in the 1990s half a million Azerbaijani citizens became refugees. The journalist positions himself close to the Aras river that separates Armenia from Iran Global Participants American diplomatic efforts became possible because of Moscow's diminished influence in the South Caucasus. Over time, the Kremlin worked towards re-opening the route that currently carries US presidential designation. Although Russia's proposal for Russian security forces to protect the planned route was declined, they still patrol the stretch of the Armenia‑Iran border that was selected as the Trump route. The southern Armenian province is also an important center for international trade, and commercial vehicles and traders from Iran are a familiar sight. Persian engineering firms are constructing a new bridge that will intersect the planned corridor. This border waterway that divides Iranian and Armenian territory represents the exact path the route is set follow. It is unclear how the US and Iranian companies can operate together in Armenia, considering American participation in Middle Eastern conflicts. International Collaboration Armenia expects fresh capital in regions neglected for three decades Additionally exists increased European presence in Armenia's southern territories. France has recently started selling weapons to Yerevan and has opened diplomatic representation in Syunik. European Union observers is deployed to this area, and the future Trump route European officials view as component of an alternative route linking it with Asian markets and bypassing Russia. Turkey is also eager to capitalize on an opening created by waning Russian influence. Ankara is in talks with Armenia to normalise relations and expressed endorsement for Tripp, which would establish a direct link from Turkey to Azerbaijan through its exclave. Armenia's government appears calm about multiple international stakes. Authorities aspire for a "Crossroads of Peace" where every neighboring nation will co-operate. "Officials claim everything will be fine and that there will be massive European investment, modern infrastructure and commercial relations involving Iran, America, Europe, Turkey and Azerbaijan," Marut Vanyan says with an incredulous smile. An official settlement between the two nations has not yet been signed, but certain facts emerge: following the American summit, no gunfire has been fired on their shared frontier. Trump's intervention has provided some immediate respite to residents who long have lived in fear of resumed hostilities.