Trump brokers Armenia-Azerbaijan peace; Pakistan welcomes move

WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump has brokered a preliminary peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, bringing Washington into the Caucasus while potentially edging Russia out and containing Iran.

Trump met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev separately at the White House on August 8, before announcing a series of agreements. The centrepiece is Armenia’s decision to lease a transit corridor to the US, linking mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave.

The long-disputed corridor, now dubbed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), will be managed by Washington, giving Azerbaijan direct access while allowing Armenia to maintain sovereignty on paper.

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Both countries also initialled a broader peace agreement, though details remain unclear. For Pashinyan, it is a step toward shifting Armenia’s economy toward the West and reducing reliance on Moscow.

The deal strengthens US influence in the region, boosts the Middle Corridor trade network, and sidelines Russia, which had sought a peacekeeping role. Moscow’s only remaining foothold, a military base in Armenia, is now under question.

PAKISTAN WELCOMES MOVE

Pakistan has welcomed the historic peace agreement signed between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia at the White House Summit under the auspices of U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

“This landmark development marks the dawn of a new era of peace, stability, and cooperation in the South Caucasus, a region that has endured decades of conflict and human suffering. We congratulate President Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan on this historic agreement that reflects wisdom, foresight and sagacity in charting a course for a peaceful future for their region,” Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif posted on X account.

He further said that Pakistan had always stood by the brotherly nation of Azerbaijan, and stood with them at this proud moment of their history.  

“We also appreciate the facilitation role of the United States, under President Donald Trump, in bringing the two sides together and securing an agreement that opens new avenues for trade, connectivity, and regional integration. It is our hope that this spirit of dialogue will serve as an example for other regions facing protracted conflicts,” he added.