Iran expects Armenia to ensure that TRIPP does not jeopardize Iran’s vital interests, Iranian South Caucasus expert Ehsan Movahedian told NEWS.am.

According to him, Iran has two red lines: preventing the deployment of U.S. military and security forces along the border, and ensuring Armenia’s full sovereignty and control over TRIPP.

According to the Iranian analyst, Armenia’s leadership has assured Tehran that security along TRIPP will be provided by the Armenian side, and that even private American companies will not be allowed to provide security.

“Iran expects the route to be built by an American company that will be registered in Armenia and operate under Armenian sovereignty. This will ensure that the project does not lead to a change in the geopolitical map or the creation of a corridor under foreign — Azerbaijani or American — control,” he noted.

According to Movahedian, Tehran’s other objective is to prevent a permanent Western presence in Syunik, as it considers southern Armenia a strategic zone and will not allow the TRIPP project to become a foothold for a permanent Western presence on its border, regardless of the wording contained in any agreement.

“Iran is awaiting guarantees from Armenia that TRIPP will remain purely an economic and civilian infrastructure initiative, fully under Armenian jurisdiction, and will not serve as a ‘Trojan horse’ for expanding U.S. military or strategic influence near Iran’s northern border,” the Iranian analyst emphasized.