On February 28, Azerbaijani media reported that, due to the military developments unfolding around Iran, several passenger bus routes connecting mainland Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan via the Bilasuvar border crossing have been postponed. If hostilities around Iran persist—for example, for 4–5 weeks, as suggested in a statement by Donald Trump—the situation could escalate into a prolonged logistical crisis for Nakhchivan.
Under these circumstances, Armenia could offer Azerbaijan humanitarian transit to Nakhchivan through its territory for passenger transportation, as well as for the delivery of food and other essential supplies. In practical terms, vehicles could assemble at the Armenian–Azerbaijani border section and proceed toward Nakhchivan under patrol escort.
Three principal options are possible:
1) Lachin–Tegh–Angeghakot–Bichenek–Nakhchivan route
(During the Soviet period, this was the main A317 highway connecting Nakhchivan with Azerbaijan.) Of the approximately 85 km stretch, the final 13 km segment (Shaghat–Bichenek mountain pass) remains unpaved and would require earthworks, asphalt paving, and mine clearance in the border area.
The remaining two options are longer, but could become operational after clearing a short interpositional section (around 400 meters) of the Yeraskh–Sadarak highway (removal of earthen barriers and mine clearance—work that could be completed within a few days):
2) Sotk – Selim Pass – Yeraskh – Nakhchivan
3) Gazakh – Ijevan – Sevan – Yerevan – Yeraskh – Nakhchivan
(or alternatively: Gazakh – Ijevan – Sevan – Selim Pass – Yeraskh – Nakhchivan)
These routes could be considered a temporary “crisis-response measure” for strictly humanitarian purposes, though they may also contribute to reopening transit from Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan and onward to Turkey, as previously proposed by the Armenian side.
In the Yeraskh–Sadarak section, it is also important to restore the small damaged segment of railway infrastructure, which would make it possible to relaunch the Baku–Nakhchivan railway line via the northern route (Yeraskh–Gyumri–Tbilisi–Baku).
