The Jerusalem Post: The potential deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan could help pave the way for more deals
The prospects of a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan could unite some countries that are not usually on the same side of issues. This is because it appears that the U.S., Iran, Russia, Turkey, and basically everyone in the region would like to see a deal between Yerevan and Baku, The Jerusalem Post writes. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran welcomed the conclusion of a draft agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The United States commended Armenia and Azerbaijan for concluding negotiations on a historic peace treaty as well. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Tuesday in Washington. Rubio requested “support for peace in Ukraine and the South Caucasus.” Turkey’s national public broadcaster, reported, “U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the agreement on a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, underscoring the importance of lasting security and prosperity in the region.”
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had informed Russian President Vladimir Putin about the completion of talks on a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. Pope Francis also welcomed the chance for peace between the countries, according to other reports. As Fidan was in Washington, Araghchi met with Pashinyan in Yerevan on Tuesday. Araghchi discussed the importance of peace in the South Caucasus region and discussed Iran’s role in the region. As noted, Baku has invested its money from energy resources in new military technology. Azerbaijan also has strong ties with Israel and Turkey. Iran wants to work with both Armenia and Azerbaijan. This is especially true for its interest in a north-south trade corridor, linking Baku to the Persian Gulf and Central Asia. Tehran believes a peace deal will lead to economic development in the region. This will help Iran as well. The potential deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan could help pave the way for more deals. U.S. President Donald Trump has tapped Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to play a role in many of these discussions. Witkoff was in Baku in mid-March. Many things are in the air, but the more peace deals the US can back, the more Trump’s administration can see this as a win and a key part of its doctrine.
