Credited from: AA
On August 8, 2025, US President Donald Trump hosted Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the White House, where they signed a historic peace agreement aimed at ending decades of conflict. This significant step has been highlighted as a major diplomatic achievement for the Trump administration, as it potentially alters the geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus region, which has been marred by violence since the late 1980s, according to aa and scmp.
The agreement, which includes the establishment of the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity," will create a crucial transit corridor that connects Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave via Armenian territory. This development is expected to facilitate significant economic opportunities and enhance energy exports for Azerbaijan, as noted by aljazeera and indiatimes.
Both leaders explicitly credited Trump's mediation efforts for this breakthrough, with Aliyev referring to it as a "miracle" achieved in a matter of months, while Pashinyan emphasized the need for a "significant milestone" to facilitate peace in the region that has long endured hostility. The agreement not only aims to end fighting but also sets the stage for better diplomatic relations and economic cooperation, according to channelnewsasia and bbc.
The geopolitical implications of this accord are considerable, particularly as the US seeks to enhance its influence in the region amid diminishing Russian power, especially following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Notably, Turkey, a close ally of Azerbaijan, and Russia have both acknowledged the significance of the peace deal, with Russian officials expressing hope for positive stability in the region while also advocating for local mediation solutions, as reported by reuters and indiatimes.