AnewZ Morning Brief - 18 January, 2026
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 18 January, covering the latest developments you need to know....
Armenia will start construction work on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project in the second half of 2026, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said on Sunday, as economic dialogue with Azerbaijan advances.
Mirzoyan told Armenia’s Public Television that the government is working closely with U.S. partners on the legal and regulatory framework for the project. He added that the first relevant documents are expected in the coming weeks and that Armenia will host international delegations next year in connection with TRIPP.
The TRIPP initiative, developed under a U.S.-brokered framework, aims to enhance regional transport infrastructure and economic connectivity, including railways, roads, and other facilities that could strengthen trade links in the South Caucasus.
Addressing concerns that Russia or Iran oppose the project, Mirzoyan said discussions with Iranian counterparts had raised questions that were answered, and that both Armenia and Iran now see opportunities in opening transport corridors. He emphasised that Armenia has no plans to reduce ties with Russia or remove the Russian 102nd military base from its territory, and that deepening relations with the United States and European partners does not conflict with maintaining ties with Moscow.
Mirzoyan also highlighted the benefits of ongoing fuel imports from Azerbaijan. He said the supply of Azerbaijani gasoline has been very beneficial for Armenian consumers, noting that some deliveries have already experienced queues, reflecting strong demand.
In a recent milestone for bilateral trade, Azerbaijan exported approximately 1,220 tonnes of AI‑95 gasoline to Armenia by rail via Georgia, marking the first direct trade shipment between the two countries in years and signalling potential for broader economic cooperation.
Officials said Armenia is considering the possibility of exporting goods to Azerbaijan, including aluminium products, agricultural goods, beverages, and textiles. Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan noted that competitive transit costs via Georgian railways could make future deliveries commercially viable, though specific agreements and schedules are still under negotiation.
On relations with Türkiye, Mirzoyan said the Armenian government seeks “substantial, concrete and perceptible progress” and expects positive steps in the near future.
The development of TRIPP and the renewed economic exchanges with Azerbaijan come amid a broader effort to strengthen regional trade, connectivity, and stability in the South Caucasus.
The Turkish Defence Ministry has voiced its support for recent military operations by Syrian government forces against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which enjoy the support of the United States.
Tens of thousands of users were left unable to access Elon Musk’s social media platform X on Friday, with outages reported across multiple countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
Armenia has reaffirmed that it has no intention of taking any actions directed against Iran, with senior officials stressing that relations with Tehran remain friendly and constructive.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held separate calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on 16 January, offering Russia’s help to mediate tensions and promote dialogue in the Middle East.
The Kremlin has welcomed recent signals from several major European capitals suggesting a renewed openness to dialogue with Moscow, calling the shift a “positive evolution” in Europe’s stance towards Russia.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 18 January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened a sweeping new round of tariffs on several European allies unless the United States is allowed to buy Greenland, escalating a diplomatic row over the Danish Arctic territory.
Leaders from several countries have received invitations to join a so-called U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’, an initiative that would initially aim to end the conflict in Gaza before expanding to address other global disputes, diplomats said on Saturday.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday (17 January) that concerns over security in Greenland should be addressed within the framework of NATO, describing a ground military intervention as highly unlikely.
The European Union and South American bloc Mercosur have signed a long-awaited free trade agreement in Paraguay, opening the way for what would become the EU’s largest-ever trade deal.
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