I am most concerned about the border situation with Iran and the recent statements made by the Iranian side. For the US, this region is indeed not the most important, but it is likely that it has the prospect of new military actions against Iran. Yesterday, the US president made another rather sharp statement. After ruining relations with a neighbor, it is difficult to restore them. It is the same in everyday life. Armenia’s second president, Robert Kocharyan, told this to a press conference Thursday, and explained what he meant when he stated that the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project will become the biggest threat to Armenia’s security.

“It is about [the fact] that geography should become an advantage, not a problem. Creating an atmosphere of distrust towards a neighboring country [i.e. Iran], which has been by your side in the most difficult conditions, will cost very dearly [to Armenia]. You can't take actions today that will create distrust in relations with Iran. I have the right to say this because I remember when we were building a [natural] gas pipeline, the United States was attempting to hinder us. But we sat down, negotiated, photographed, made calculations, and agreed. Even then, I proposed to create that gas pipeline together with the three countries. At first, they said, ‘We will think [about it],’ then they said they couldn't participate in the project, but they understand our concerns and will not create a problem. It is possible to sit down with the US to negotiate about any project, but no one did it. [Armenian PM] Nikol Pashinyan was happy that he went to take a picture with [US President Donald] Trump; he needed a picture for the [upcoming parliamentary] elections. It takes time to negotiate., they could have negotiated, not have signed on August 8, not have signed on September 8. This person [i.e. Pashinyan] has no patience for them to sit down, work, come up with a normal option," added Armenia's second president.