Trump to Host Leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan for Historic Peace Summit
In a significant diplomatic move aimed at quelling decades-long hostility in the South Caucasus region, former US President Donald Trump announced he will host Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the White House this Friday. The summit marks a pivotal moment in a conflict that has cost thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands.
Trump Highlights Years of Conflict and Promises Historic Peace
Writing on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump emphasized the longstanding nature of the conflict, stating, “The two leaders have been at war for many years, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people.” He credited his administration for sustained engagement with both sides, declaring that after years of unsuccessful attempts by various global leaders, a breakthrough was finally being achieved.
He described the impending “official Peace Signing Ceremony” as a momentous occasion for Armenia, Azerbaijan, the United States, and the world, praising the leaders for their commitment “to doing the right thing for the great people of Armenia and Azerbaijan.”
A US-Brokered Deal Unlocks Key Transit Corridor
The centerpiece of the peace agreement is the reopening of a strategically crucial transit route linking Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave, which currently is isolated by Armenian territory. US officials revealed plans granting Washington leasing rights to develop this corridor, aptly designated the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity.”
This corridor, potentially accommodating rail lines, oil and gas pipelines, and fiber-optic infrastructure, aims to catalyze economic integration in the region. While the US government will not directly finance infrastructure development, American corporations are expected to be major investors, signaling economic opportunities for all parties.
Resolving a Nagging Impasse in Peace Talks
This arrangement addresses one of the most contentious issues in the peace process. Azerbaijan has insisted on a secure land bridge to Nakhchivan for decades, while Armenia has resisted ceding control or allowing third-party management. The US-facilitated deal appears to strike a compromise, giving a neutral entity temporary leasing rights, thus easing mutual suspicions.
Historical Context: Decades of Conflict and Unrest
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region dates back to the late 1980s. The first war (1988-1994) caused massive human suffering—approximately 30,000 deaths and the displacement of nearly one million people. In 2020, Azerbaijan, supported by Turkey, launched a successful campaign reclaiming large sections of the territory.
Although a Russian-brokered ceasefire and deployment of peacekeepers followed the 2020 war, tensions flared again in 2023 when Azerbaijan regained full control of Nagorno-Karabakh after a swift offensive. This prompted the displacement of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians, intensifying Armenia’s distrust of Moscow’s limited role, particularly as Russia's focus has largely shifted to its conflict in Ukraine.
Shifting Regional Alliances and the US Winning Influence
South Caucasus expert Olesya Vartanyan observed, “Russia has been left on the sidelines, because the Kremlin has nothing to offer to Armenia and Azerbaijan.” As Russia’s resources dwindle amidst its own geopolitical struggles, Armenia has increasingly turned to Western powers for security and economic partnership.
This summit reflects the United States’ renewed influence in a region Russia historically dominated. By facilitating a complex and multifaceted agreement, Washington aims not only to stabilize a volatile region but also to embed itself as a key diplomatic and economic player in Eurasia.
Potential Economic and Strategic Gains for Armenia
One underreported aspect of the agreement is the prospect of re-opening Armenia’s border with Turkey, closed for nearly four decades. This development could unlock significant trade and investment flows for Armenia, a landlocked nation that has long struggled with economic isolation.
Vartanyan highlights that reopening this border “would guarantee stability and allow access to the Turkish market, ports, and investments, as well as its inclusion into key regional transport corridors.” Such economic integration might accelerate Armenia’s development trajectory and reduce its dependency on any single regional power.
Broader Implications for Regional Peace and Security
- International investment: Introducing American corporate investment in infrastructure could spur modernization and economic growth.
- Geopolitical balance: The deal shifts regional dynamics, diminishing Russian influence while enhancing US presence.
- Long-term peace potential: Successful implementation could set a precedent for resolving frozen conflicts globally.
Challenges Ahead and Critical Questions
Despite high hopes, the path forward contains significant obstacles. Skepticism remains about whether deeply rooted animosities and nationalist sentiments can be fully overcome. Key questions include:
- Will the transit corridor remain secure and operational amidst political fluctuations?
- Can the economic benefits reach local populations, including displaced communities?
- How will Russia respond to this loss of influence—will it seek to undermine the agreement?
- What role will Turkey play if the Armenia-Turkey border reopens?
Editor’s Note
This peace summit hosted by the United States marks a potentially historic step toward resolving one of the most protracted conflicts of the post-Soviet era. Yet the viability of this agreement hinges on more than leadership commitment; it requires sustained international support, transparent implementation, and local buy-in to truly transform lives on the ground. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, this accord could well redefine not only regional alliances but also the prospects for peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus.
