Zangezur corridor and regional connectivity

The Zangezur corridor is a proposed transport link that would cross Armenia's southern Syunik province to connect the main territory of Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave, and, if extended, link Turkey with the Caspian and Central Asia. Proposals have included an arrangement referred to as the "Trump Route" or TRIPP, involving a United States operating role. The route is contested on several grounds: whether and how Armenia retains sovereignty and control over the section on its territory; Iran's opposition to an arrangement that would cut its land border with Armenia; Russia's role in monitoring or guaranteeing transit; and the trade-off between the economic benefits of connectivity and the security concerns of the states affected. As a physical link between the peace process and regional trade, the corridor draws together the interests of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran, Russia and the United States in a single route.