Iranian Consul in Syunik Says TRIPP Project Raises ‘No Concerns’ if It Doesn’t Threaten Iran’s Interests

EXCLUSIVE: In an interview with The Armenian Report’s Ani Khachatryan, the Consulate General of Iran in Kapan, Morteza Abedin Varamin, discussed Iran’s strong diplomatic and economic ties with Armenia, showing regional infrastructure projects, trade developments, and environmental challenges facing the country.

Iran has expressed that it has no concerns regarding the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, which includes the construction of the TRIPP road in southern Armenia. The Armenian Foreign Minister, Ararat Mirzoyan, had previously stated that Tehran does not view the project as a threat. Iranian officials confirmed that high-level discussions and continuous consultations are taking place between the two countries to address any developments in the region. Iran emphasizes that as long as there is no threat to its interests, it sees no reason for concern. The two countries share a long history of friendly relations, spanning thousands of years.

Regarding the so-called “Zangezur Corridor”, a transport link promoted by Azerbaijan, Iran stated that it has not observed any construction on the Armenian side during regular visits to the border. Iranian officials emphasized that developments in the region are welcome as long as they serve regional interests, including those of Armenia and Iran.

On regional trade, a recent freight train carrying Russian wheat passed through Azerbaijan and Georgia to reach Armenia — an important step in regional connectivity. Iran confirmed that it maintains a cooperative economic relationship with Armenia and is ready to support regional trade and transportation. Iranian companies already operate cargo shipments through the port of Chabahar to Armenia, offering alternative transit routes. Officials stressed that Iran respects private and regional decisions about trade and transit routes, while maintaining a peaceful and cooperative border with Armenia.

Iran also faces significant environmental challenges. President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that ongoing droughts and water shortages could force emergency measures, including the possibility of evacuating parts of Tehran if water reserves run out. Iranian authorities cited high inflation, rising prices, and the combined effects of management challenges and international sanctions as compounding these difficulties. The government emphasizes the need for careful water and energy management to prevent severe consequences.

While there are currently no plans to import water from Armenia, Iranian officials acknowledged that future cooperation on water resources could be possible, similar to ongoing exchanges of electricity and gas between the two countries.

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