Iranian Ambassador: US may use TRIPP within its security policy  framework in  South Caucasus

ArmInfo.  Iran is concerned that the US may use the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project within its security policy, as stated by Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Khalil Shirgholami  during a press conference in Yerevan on January 14.

When asked to express his stance on this project, the diplomat noted  that Armenia is a friendly country for Iran. He said Iran welcomes  any positive steps toward Armenia's unblocking and development. He  added that Armenia can play an important role in  both the West-East  and North-South directions within the framework of the de-blockade.  "The same North-South Corridor could have two branches: from Oman to  Russia and India, and from Oman to the Black Sea. Regarding the  agreements between Armenia and the US, our position is clear: we told  our Armenian colleagues that we trust you, but we are dealing with  the US, which has taken action against Iran.

We don't trust the US. We are concerned that the US may use this  project within the framework of its security policy. We have conveyed  this to our Armenian partners. The latter have assured us that  Armenia will never become a source of threat to Iran. We have agreed  that our discussions will continue regularly to understand the scope  of this project," Shirgholami added.

The diplomat emphasized that relations between Iran and Armenia are  of strategic importance, and no issue should challenge these  relations. In this vein, he expressed hope that Iran's concerns will  be considered and dispelled. "We continue to keep this issue in the  center of  attention," the Iranian ambassador concluded.