A peace agreement brokered by the United States was signed on Friday between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the presence of President Donald Trump. This agreement is aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two nations and moving towards a complete normalization of their relationship after years of conflict.
The deal, if upheld, would mark a significant milestone for the Trump administration and could unsettle Moscow, which considers the region to be within its sphere of influence. President Trump, alongside Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, expressed optimism about the newfound friendship between the two countries after 35 years of hostility.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan dates back to the late 1980s when Nagorno-Karabakh, a region in Azerbaijan predominantly inhabited by ethnic Armenians, declared independence with Armenian support. In 2023, Azerbaijan regained full control of the region, leading to the mass exodus of ethnic Armenians to Armenia.
As part of the agreement, both countries have committed to cease hostilities, establish diplomatic relations, and uphold each other’s territorial integrity. Additionally, the U.S. has secured exclusive development rights to a strategic transit corridor in the region, facilitating increased energy and resource exports.
Trump announced separate agreements with Azerbaijan and Armenia to enhance collaboration in energy, trade, and technology fields, including artificial intelligence, although specific details were not disclosed. Moreover, restrictions on defense cooperation between Azerbaijan and the U.S. have been lifted.
Both Azerbaijani President Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan commended President Trump for his role in resolving the conflict and pledged to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize. The peace deal has the potential to transform the South Caucasus region, known for its energy resources and geopolitical significance.
However, while the signing of the agreement signals progress, questions remain regarding the involvement of U.S. companies in the transit corridor and the extent of Armenia and Azerbaijan’s participation in its development. The exclusion of Russia from the agreement and the U.S.’s prominent role in the corridor could potentially strain relations with Moscow.
This historic agreement, the first resolution of frozen conflicts on Russia’s periphery since the Cold War, is seen as a positive step towards stability in the region. The long-term success of the deal hinges on sustained U.S. engagement to prevent a return to tensions and escalations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.