Trump Eyes Zangezur Corridor to Link Central Asia and Europe
A new transport route could connect Central Asia with Europe. The project is called the Zangezur Corridor. It may become reality if Donald Trump’s latest plan goes ahead. This announcement comes from POLITIK Central Asia.
The idea is bold. But it’s not the first time Trump proposed something ambitious. Past ideas like buying Greenland or taking over the Panama Canal never came to life.
A railway through Armenia
The Zangezur Corridor would link mainland Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan. The railway would cross Armenian territory, then connect to Turkey and Iran.
That means one short rail section could join up networks across the region. It could even become part of a wider Asia–Europe transport chain.
The line once worked during the Soviet era. Trains ran between Yerevan and Baku. But the Karabakh war broke the connection in the 1990s.
In 2023, the conflict ended. Azerbaijan wants to restore the line.
Promises, but no progress
A deal signed in 2020 by Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan addressed this corridor. Armenia agreed to guarantee safe transit between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan. Russia would control the route.
But disagreements followed. Baku says the word «unimpeded» means no border checks. Yerevan disagrees. They want full customs and passport control. They also dislike the word «corridor».
Today, neither side trusts Russia to guard the route. The working group stopped meeting. The issue was removed from the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace talks.
Trump’s unexpected offer
That’s where the U.S. stepped in. Trump’s team wants to run the corridor through private American firms. They offered a 100-year lease, according to expert Olesya Vartanyan.
U.S. diplomat Tom Barrack later confirmed the plan. It aims to guarantee long-term stability through U.S. business.
But both Baku and Yerevan are cautious. Neither side fully trusts Washington with the corridor.
Trump claims progress is underway. He told NATO’s chief Mark Rutte that a deal is «close». Regional experts disagree. The conflict is far from resolved.
Zangezur’s strategic value
Despite obstacles, the Zangezur Corridor could boost the Middle Corridor. This trade route links China to Europe via Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
Right now, only one rail line exists — Baku–Tbilisi–Kars. Zangezur could ease pressure and add capacity. It could also reduce reliance on the Suez Canal.
But there are risks. Costs remain high. Cargo flows are still low. Political tensions persist.
For now, the project is a vision — not a reality.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that the government of Tajikistan has approved a draft agreement on electricity supplies from the Rogun Hydropower Plant to Uzbekistan.
