Armenia’s ambassador to the United States, Narek Mkrtchyan, told The Hill that Armenia would not rule out discussing a possible US request to join efforts to isolate Iran. He said no issue is off limits for discussion in principle.
“There is no topic in the world that cannot be discussed; everything is discussable,” the ambassador said when asked how Yerevan would respond if Washington made such a proposal.
Mkrtchyan also spoke about the TRIPP program, saying a groundbreaking ceremony could take place in early 2027. He stressed that the project is not directed against any third country, including Iran or Russia.
According to the ambassador, Armenia has also communicated the project to Iran. He said Iran is Armenia’s immediate neighbor, home to an Armenian community, and that it is important for Yerevan to maintain both a peaceful border and friendly relations with Tehran. In his view, that is also important for TRIPP’s successful implementation.
Mkrtchyan added that Armenia has been telling its neighbors that the project is about communications, infrastructure and trade, and has nothing to do with possible military actions. He said that dialogue should continue so that all details are presented and concerns are addressed.
Responding to comments by Ադրբեջանի Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov about the 42-kilometer section of the Turkey-Nakhichevan railway route, the ambassador said that under TRIPP all decisions would be made by Armenia’s state authorities. He said customs control, taxes, emergency response, police and security would all fall under Armenia’s jurisdiction.
He added that this principle is reflected, in his words, in the Washington peace declaration and is respected by both the United States and Azerbaijan. That means Armenia retains its full sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and decision-making authority, he said.
Asked whether Armenia has begun a process of moving away from Russia and toward the United States, Mkrtchyan said such a process does exist, but that it is about Armenia’s sovereignty, independence and diversification.
