Caucasus Peace Deal Welcomed by Iran Amid Concerns Over Foreign Interference
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the finalized text of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, describing it as a significant step toward achieving stability in the South Caucasus region. At the same time, the Ministry expressed concern over potential foreign interference that could pose risks to regional security.
In an official statement, the Ministry noted: “The Islamic Republic of Iran is closely monitoring developments in the South Caucasus and remains in contact with both the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia regarding recent events.”
Tehran emphasized that the establishment of peace in the Caucasus aligns with the interests of all regional countries, characterizing the peace agreement between Baku and Yerevan as a positive development toward lasting stability—provided that external interference, which could undermine border security and regional order, is avoided.
The statement further affirmed Iran’s intention to take all necessary political, legal, and economic measures to safeguard its national rights and interests. It also reiterated Iran’s support for opening communication routes and lifting blockades on transportation networks, provided that national sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected.
Iran also renewed its readiness to maintain constructive engagement with both Azerbaijan and Armenia through bilateral channels or multilateral frameworks such as the 3+3 regional cooperation mechanism, with the goal of preserving peace and promoting economic development in the South Caucasus.
Washington Declaration: Armenia and Azerbaijan Reach Historic Peace Agreement
On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev jointly announced a permanent peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan during a summit held in Washington. The agreement includes a full ceasefire, the establishment of diplomatic and trade relations, and mutual respect for national sovereignty.
The announcement also introduced the “Trump Initiative for International Peace and Prosperity,” aimed at facilitating dialogue between the two parties and encouraging economic cooperation in sectors such as energy and technology.
Trump wrote on his platform, Truth Social: “Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia and President Aliyev of Azerbaijan are at the White House for the formal signing ceremony of the peace agreement.”
Post-Agreement Complexities: Domestic Challenges and the Future of the Zangezur Corridor
Despite official endorsements, analysts caution that the agreement presents a range of complex challenges, particularly given the conditions set by Baku as the militarily dominant party.
Observers have raised questions about Armenia’s willingness to make significant constitutional concessions—such as removing references to Nagorno-Karabakh from its national charter—a move some believe Prime Minister Pashinyan might be prepared to consider.
Another key issue is the future of the Zangezur Corridor. Analysts are examining the implications for residents of the region amid this political shift, noting that historical tensions and longstanding animosities between the two nations have not entirely dissipated.
