Implementation of TRIPP will give new impetus to the construction of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline

The construction of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline perfectly aligns with the US foreign policy agenda, including the initiative called the "Trump Route" (TRIPP), which connects Europe with Central Asia through the South Caucasus.

According to "Report", this opinion was expressed by Luke Coffey, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, in an article published in "Arab News".

According to him, this project draws historical parallels with regional energy projects implemented with the support of US President Bill Clinton in the 1990s - especially the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. The projects implemented during that period not only provided global markets with access to the Caspian region's energy resources but also contributed to political and economic stability through deepening relations with the West.

Coffey believes that US President Donald Trump could have continued this strategy: to reduce Europe's energy dependence on Russia, open new markets for American energy companies that have been pushed away from the Russian market due to sanctions, and strengthen ties with regional partners aspiring for integration with the West.

The article notes that the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline project is a controversial topic. Because this project will allow international consumers to bypass Russia and Iran's energy markets and transit routes, thereby weakening the strategic position of both countries. For many years, Moscow and Tehran have tried to obstruct this project diplomatically and politically, citing environmental threats or the uncertain legal status of the Caspian Sea. However, observers believe that their real concern is about losing market share and political influence.

Nevertheless, the author notes that the current geopolitical environment is favorable for the project's realization. Russia, currently focused on military operations in Ukraine, is not as active in opposing the project as before. Iran, meanwhile, faces internal difficulties and increasing international isolation.

Luke Coffey emphasized that there hasn't been such a favorable opportunity for implementing the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline since the 1990s. If this pipeline is built, it will be a turning point for the entire region: Europe's energy security will be ensured, an additional source of income will be opened for Turkmenistan, and geopolitical stability in the Eurasian space will be strengthened.

According to the analyst, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Turkmenistan after his successful visit to Washington is not a coincidence. On the contrary, this visit aims to advance the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline initiative. On the other hand, Turkmenistan could also benefit by diversifying its energy exports in light of new realities. Europe offers an extremely important and new market in this context. Joining global energy flows could be a strategic change in the country's geopolitical position.