Armenia and Azerbaijan Sign U.S.-Brokered Peace Agreement at White House

Armenia and Azerbaijan have signed a U.S.-mediated peace agreement at the White House, aiming to end decades of conflict and establish a strategic transit corridor through the South Caucasus.

President Donald Trump hosted Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for the signing ceremony. The agreement includes the creation of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), a transit corridor connecting Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave via Armenian territory. The U.S. has secured exclusive development rights for this corridor, which is expected to feature rail lines, oil and gas pipelines, and fiber optic cables.

"We are laying a foundation to write a better story than the one we had in the past," said Pashinyan, describing the agreement as a "significant milestone."

"President Trump in six months did a miracle," Aliyev stated, expressing gratitude for the U.S. mediation.

The agreement also involves bilateral deals between the U.S. and both nations to enhance cooperation in energy, technology, and trade. Additionally, Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to request the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, signaling a shift from previous international mediation efforts.

This development is seen as a geopolitical shift, with the U.S. increasing its influence in the South Caucasus amid Russia's waning presence in the region. The establishment of the TRIPP corridor is anticipated to boost regional stability and economic growth.

While the agreement marks a significant step toward peace, some Armenian groups have expressed concerns. The Armenian National Committee of America warned that the deal could compromise Armenia's sovereignty and security, emphasizing the need for a peace centered on justice and the safe return of displaced Armenians.

The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, primarily over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, has persisted since the late 1980s, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement. This agreement aims to address longstanding issues and pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future in the region.