Contrary to the claims of the Armenian side, Iran has not reached any preliminary agreement with Armenia on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project. Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, an Iranian military commander, stated this, as he commented on the situation around the TRIPP project and the respective talks with Armenia, the Sepah Pasdaran Telegram channel reports.

“There is neither real understanding nor common ground on this issue. We [i.e. Iran] have openly and clearly brought our red lines to Armenia’s attention. Therefore, the statement of the Armenian parliament member does not correspond to reality.

On the other hand, if we are against the US presence in the Persian Gulf, then why should we support their presence in the South Caucasus? We view the region and the security of our borders as a whole. Therefore, this project—in its current format—poses a threat to Iran.

We continue negotiations with Armenia. However, if the responsibility for security there is placed on the American armed forces, Iran reserves the right to retaliate and take appropriate steps.

It would be better if the Armenian border guards independently monitored the Iranian-Armenian border and the routes passing through it,” Major General Safavi added.