Armenia and the United States have formally entered a strategic partnership focused on civil nuclear energy and defense, a move signaling a significant geopolitical shift in the region. The development, solidified during a visit to Yerevan by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State JD Vance, comes as Armenia seeks to diversify its alliances and reduce its reliance on traditional partners.
Speaking at a joint press conference following the meetings, Vance stated that these initiatives will launch a modern “era of prosperity” not only for Armenia but for the entire region.
Nuclear Cooperation and a Shift Away from Russia
A key outcome of Vance’s visit was the completion of negotiations for cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy. A joint declaration signed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Paşinyan and JD Vance finalized the “123 Agreement,” which provides the legal framework for U.S. Exports of nuclear technology and equipment.
Currently, Armenia relies heavily on the aging Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, a Soviet-era facility, for a significant portion of its electricity needs. Seeking to break its energy dependence on Russia and Iran, Yerevan has turned to Washington for a new nuclear power plant project. Vance announced that this cooperation will bring Armenia an initial $5 billion in investment, along with a long-term $4 billion contract for fuel and maintenance.
A First in Defense: American UAVs and Nvidia Chips
Significant developments also occurred in the defense sector. JD Vance announced the first-ever military sale to Armenia, encompassing $11 million worth of reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. Paşinyan confirmed the purchase of V-BAT type UAVs from the U.S., stating, “These UAVs will make a significant contribution to strengthening our defense capabilities.”
In addition to defense hardware, the U.S. Has issued an export license for the sale of “Nvidia” chips to Armenia. These chips will be used in new data centers being established in Yerevan, modernizing the country’s technological infrastructure.
The “Trump Route” for Regional Peace and Trade
Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of the discussions was the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP). This route, part of an agreement signed August 8, 2025, between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Nikol Paşinyan at the White House, aims to connect Armenia’s south to mainland Azerbaijan through Nakhchivan and on to Turkey.
The implementation of this project is intended to create a seamless energy and trade corridor in the East-West direction, bypassing Russia and Iran. Vance emphasized that the project will create a “historic transformation” in the region, while Paşinyan stated that the peace process with Azerbaijan has reached an “irreversible” point.
Moscow’s Objections and Regional Reactions
The growing U.S.-Armenia relationship has been met with concern in Moscow. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin asserted that Rosatom remains “the most reliable and best option” for Armenia’s new nuclear power plant needs. As Moscow struggles to maintain its traditional influence in the South Caucasus, Washington’s nuclear and defense moves are seen as a direct intervention in Russia’s strategic depth in the region.
Diplomatic Engagement Expands
Another surprise development from the visit was Paşinyan’s inclusion in the Gaza diplomatic efforts. The Prime Minister announced he had received and accepted an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to attend a “Gaza Peace Council” meeting on February 19th.
Paşinyan stated that relations between Armenia and the U.S. Are at “the strongest level in history,” and added that his recent meeting with Azerbaijani President Aliyev in Abu Dhabi reinforced hopes for peace.
This historic visit marks a definitive turning point for Armenia, signaling a westward shift not only in its security and energy policies but also in its global diplomatic alignment.
