The Armenian Mirror-Spectator: Russia’s stance on the Trump Route depends on Putin–Trump negotiations

Published: 2025-12-17 12:11

"On December 15, Ali Akbar Velayati, adviser on international affairs to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, during a meeting with Armenia’s Ambassador to Iran, stated that the Trump Route is essentially identical to the so-called Zangezur Corridor. Velayati noted that Iran has opposed the corridor from the very beginning, as Tehran rejects any change to regional borders and fears threats to its security. According to Velayati, this scenario could lead to NATO’s presence north of Iran, creating serious risks to the security of Northern Iran and Southern Russia," writes The Armenian Mirror-Spectator newspaper, one of the media mouthpieces of the Armenian diaspora in the United States.

"The most consequential question is whether Russia will seek to participate in the project or attempt to obstruct it? This is a critical choice for Moscow and largely depends on the course of the Putin–Trump negotiations. Unlike Iran, Moscow has two options: to ensure long-term involvement, or to try to block the process by employing a wide range of instruments. If Moscow fails to find a way to join this project, it risks losing much — if not all — of its influence in the South Caucasus, as both its de facto presence and its concessionary footprint could come to an end in light of the new realities. On the other hand, if Russia does become involved, it would effectively mean participating in a project that was originally designed to bypass it. Tehran appears to be pushing Moscow to make the choice as soon as possible," the newspaper adds.

By Azerbaijani-Israeli Alliance Global News