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A deserted terminal, several corroded railcars and a dozen metres of track are all that remains of a Soviet railway in Armenia's southern region.

While appearing improbable, this neglected section of track in the South Caucasus has been selected to become a symbol of diplomatic peace by the US president, referred to as the Tripp initiative for Global Stability and Economic Growth.

Scattered around are remains of a statue from a memorial to a Soviet-era figure. A female statue is missing an arm.

"We are on this proposed corridor, also known as Peace Junction, the Silk Road, and the regional passageway," notes Marut Vanyan. "But so far none of this looks American."

Peace Negotiations

This constitutes one of the "unendable wars" Trump claims to have successfully resolved, through an agreement between Armenia and its long-time enemy Azerbaijan.

The plan envisages American corporations establishing presence under a 99-year deal to construct the 26-mile corridor through Armenian territory along the complete frontier with Iran, creating a passageway linking Azerbaijan to its separated territory of Nakhchivan.

Rail transport, motorway and energy conduits are all promised and Trump has spoken of corporations investing "a lot of money, which will economically benefit the three participating countries".

On the ground, the magnitude of the undertaking is clear. This transport link will have to be built from scratch, but political hurdles significantly exceed economic issues.

International Consequences

Trump's intervention might transform the geopolitics of an area that Russia claims as its regional domain. Hardliners in Tehran express concern and have warned to halt the initiative.

The Tripp proposal plays a crucial role in resolving a conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan that started over Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijani territory historically populated by.

In 2023, Azerbaijan recaptured the contested area, and nearly all ethnic Armenians fled their homes. This was not the initial displacement in this conflict: in the 1990s over 500,000 Azerbaijanis became refugees.

Global Participants

US mediation became possible because of Moscow's diminished influence in this strategic region.

For years, the Kremlin worked towards re-opening the route that now bears US presidential designation.

Despite Moscow's suggestion for its FSB border troops to guard the future road has been rejected, Russian units continue monitoring the section of the Armenian-Iranian frontier that has been chosen for the Trump route.

Armenia's Syunik region is also an important center for its exports, and commercial vehicles and traders from Iran commonly appear. Iranian construction companies are building a new bridge that will cross the planned corridor.

This border waterway that divides Iranian and Armenian territory represents the exact path the corridor will traverse.

It is unclear the manner in which American and Persian corporations can operate together in Armenia, considering American participation in the Israel‑Iran war.

International Collaboration

Additionally exists increased European presence in southern Armenia.

France has recently started military equipment transfers to Armenian leadership and has opened diplomatic representation in Syunik. European Union observers operates within this area, and the future Trump route European officials view as component of an alternative route connecting Europe to Asian markets and avoiding Russian territory.

Ankara shows interest to capitalize on an opening created by waning Russian influence.

Turkish officials negotiate with Yerevan to normalise relations and expressed endorsement for Tripp, which would establish immediate connectivity from Turkey to Azerbaijan through the separated region.

Yerevan's administration shows composure about multiple international stakes. It wants to become a "International Peace Junction" where every neighboring nation will co-operate.

"They say conditions will improve and that we can expect billions of euros, modern infrastructure and trade with Iran, America, Europe, Turkey and Azerbaijan," the journalist comments with an incredulous smile.

An official settlement between Azerbaijan and Armenia has not yet been signed, but one thing is clear: since the Washington meeting, no gunfire has been fired on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

The presidential involvement has provided some immediate respite to those who for years experienced anxiety of resumed hostilities.