YEREVAN, July 8. /TASS/. Iran cannot help but be concerned about the US presence near its borders, even as Yerevan has assured Tehran that the implementation of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project will not pose threats to the Iranian side, Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Khalil Shirgolami said at a news conference in Yerevan.
Asked to outline Tehran's current position on the Trump Route, the diplomat said he believes that issues related to managing possible risks and eliminating potential threats associated with the project should be part of the Armenian-Iranian agenda.
Shirgolami also drew attention to the methods used by the United States, citing Washington's violation of ceasefire agreements with Iran as an example. "Therefore, Iran's entirely rational and legitimate concerns over the presence of Americans near its borders must receive a clear reaction and response. The Armenian government has assured us that the implementation of this project and the presence of the United States on the border will not create any challenges for Iran. I believe that we need to establish a mechanism within which Armenia can realize the full potential of unblocking [regional transport links]. But, in addition, there must be clear assessments of the possible risks associated with the US presence and any potential threats to Iran," the diplomat said.
