Washington D.C., August 8 (FrontPostPlus) – A landmark peace accord between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been officially signed at the White House, marking a potential turning point in decades of hostility. The agreement, witnessed by US President Donald Trump, comes after months of behind-the-scenes diplomacy involving several nations, most notably the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the European Union (EU).
How the Deal Came Together
The seeds of this breakthrough were planted on July 10 in Abu Dhabi, where Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held their first substantial face-to-face talks in years. The UAE’s neutral platform and diplomatic outreach helped both sides soften their positions and agree to a framework for future negotiations.
The European Union, through its monitoring mission in Armenia (EUMA), provided critical border oversight and stability since 2023, creating the secure environment needed for serious discussions to move forward.
The White House Moment
The final signing ceremony in Washington saw President Trump seated between the two leaders, with the flags of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the United States on display. Smiles and firm handshakes replaced decades of mistrust. Trump hailed the deal as “a victory for diplomacy and a gateway to lasting peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus.”
A key part of the agreement is the launch of the Zangezur Corridor, a strategic transit route connecting mainland Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave via Armenian territory. The United States has been granted 99-year development rights for the corridor under Armenian law, branding it the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP).
Separate agreements signed alongside the peace pact will expand cooperation between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the United States in trade, energy, technology, and defense.
Global Reactions
Turkey welcomed the corridor as a boost for regional connectivity and economic growth. Russia cautiously praised the move, calling it a step toward stability in the Caucasus, though analysts say it reduces Moscow’s influence in the region. Iran, however, strongly opposed the plan, warning that the corridor near its border could create security risks and serve foreign military interests.
Despite differing global opinions, the deal is widely seen as one of the most significant diplomatic achievements in the South Caucasus in decades. Its success will depend on faithful implementation and continued cooperation between the signatories.
