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A deserted terminal, several corroded railcars and limited stretches of railway are all that remains of former Soviet railroad in Armenia's southern region.

It may seem unlikely, this neglected section of railway in the Caucasus region has been designated to become a symbol of diplomatic peace by America's leader, referred to as the Trump Route for Global Stability and Economic Growth.

Dispersed throughout are remains of a statue from a memorial to a Soviet-era figure. A female statue has lost one limb.

"We stand upon this proposed corridor, also known as Crossroads of Peace, the ancient trade route, and the Zangezur Corridor," notes a local journalist. "However currently nothing here appears Western."

Regional Conflict Resolution

This represents a longstanding conflict Trump claims to have successfully resolved, through an agreement between the Armenian government and its long-time enemy Azerbaijan.

The plan envisages US companies moving in under a century-long agreement to construct the 26-mile corridor through Armenia's sovereign land along the complete frontier with Iran, establishing a corridor linking Azerbaijan to its separated territory of Nakhchivan.

A railway, highway and energy conduits are all promised and Trump has spoken of companies spending "significant funds, that will financially advantage all three of our nations".

At the site, the scale of the challenge is clear. This transport link must be constructed completely new, but political hurdles far outweigh financial considerations.

Geopolitical Implications

Trump's intervention might transform international relations of an area that Moscow considers as its sphere of influence. Conservative factions in Iran are also worried and are threatening to block the project.

The Tripp proposal is key to ending longstanding tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan that originated from Nagorno-Karabakh, a part of Azerbaijan historically populated by.

During 2023, Azerbaijan recaptured the disputed region, and nearly all ethnic Armenians fled their homes. This was not the first such expulsion in these hostilities: in the 1990s over 500,000 Azerbaijanis became refugees.

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American diplomatic efforts were enabled because of Moscow's diminished influence in the South Caucasus.

For years, the Kremlin worked towards restoring the passage that now bears an American president's name.

Despite Moscow's suggestion for Russian security forces to protect the planned route was declined, Russian units continue monitoring the section of the Armenian-Iranian frontier that was selected as the peace corridor.

The southern Armenian province represents a key hub for its exports, and commercial vehicles and traders from Iran are a familiar sight. Persian engineering firms are constructing a new bridge that will intersect the future Tripp.

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.

Regional Cooperation Prospects

Additionally exists increased European presence in Armenia's southern territories.

France has recently started military equipment transfers to Yerevan and has opened a consulate in Syunik. European Union observers is deployed to this area, and the proposed corridor European officials view as component of an alternative route linking it with Central Asia and China and avoiding Russian territory.

Ankara shows interest to benefit from opportunities arising from waning Russian influence.

Turkish officials negotiate with Yerevan to establish diplomatic ties and has voiced support for the peace initiative, which would establish a direct link from Turkish territory to Azerbaijan through the separated region.

Yerevan's administration shows composure about the various competing interests. It wants to become a "Crossroads of Peace" where every neighboring nation can collaborate.

"They say conditions will improve and that there will be massive European investment, modern infrastructure and commercial relations involving Iran, America, Europe, Turkey and Azerbaijan," the journalist comments with an incredulous smile.

A formal peace treaty between the two nations has not yet been signed, but one thing is clear: since the Washington meeting, no gunfire has occurred on their shared frontier.

The presidential involvement has brought at least temporary relief to residents who long experienced anxiety of resumed hostilities.