Mirzoyan Says TRIPP Construction to Start in 2026, Rejects Opposition’s Claims

| News, Politics, Armenia

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said Armenia is working very intensively with the United States on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity project and that construction on the ground is expected to begin in the second half of 2026.

Speaking on Public Television of Armenia, Mirzoyan said the first strategic document outlining the project’s framework is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. He added that 2026 will involve active engagement with international partners, including multiple high-level visits to Armenia.

Responding to opposition claims that Russia and Iran oppose the TRIPP project, Mirzoyan dismissed such assertions as false. He said Iran had initially raised questions regarding the unblocking of regional infrastructure, but those concerns were addressed through dialogue. According to the foreign minister, both Armenia and Iran now see opportunities arising from increased regional connectivity.

Mirzoyan also commented on recent Armenian–Azerbaijani economic interactions, saying the purchase of Azerbaijani gasoline benefits Armenian consumers. He noted that despite calls for a boycott, demand remains strong, with queues observed at fuel stations.

At the same time, he stressed that serious unresolved issues remain in relations with Azerbaijan, including the continued detention of Armenians in Baku and rhetoric about so-called “Western Azerbaijan,” which he said contradicts Armenia’s territorial integrity. He emphasized that while peace has been established and cooperation is underway, the process is not yet complete.

Addressing the Armenian–Turkish normalization agenda, Mirzoyan said dialogue with Turkey is intensive and positive, but added that tangible progress is now required. He expressed confidence that concrete steps, including symbolic ones, could be seen by the end of the year.

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