BAKU, August 26, 2025 – President Ilham Aliyev hailed the “removal” of the 907th Amendment as a historic event during his press remarks in Washington on August 8, framing it as a breakthrough in Azerbaijan–U.S. relations.
“The removal of the 907th Amendment is a historic event,” Aliyev said in an interview with journalists in Washington, according to AZERTAC.
This narrative has dominated local media ever since, widely portrayed as a diplomatic triumph. But how accurate is it?
Officials Double Down on “Cancellation”
At a special Cabinet meeting on August 26, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov echoed that tone, calling it “the beginning of a new era” in the strategic partnership with Washington:
“The removal of the 907th Amendment opens a new era of strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the United States.” Bayramov said.
Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov, speaking at the same session, praised the development as a symbol of national success:
“This is the embodiment of historic justice for our state and people… The understanding reached on eliminating the 907th Amendment marks a qualitatively new stage in Azerbaijan–U.S. relations,” Jabbarov stated. He added that these achievements reflect “President Aliyev’s wise and visionary policies and his diplomatic mastery in defending national interests on the international stage.”
The Reality Check
Despite the triumphant rhetoric, the legal reality is different:
The 907th Amendment has NOT been repealed by Congress.
Its application has been waived for one year – a practice seen repeatedly since 2002.
Calling this a cancellation is politically convenient, but technically inaccurate. Waiver ≠ repeal. This distinction matters because a true repeal would require congressional action, not an executive decision.
Background: What Is Section 907?
Enacted in 1992, Section 907 barred direct U.S. aid to Azerbaijan during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War.
In 2001, the U.S. Senate passed an amendment allowing the President to waive this restriction under specific conditions, such as supporting U.S. counter-terrorism efforts.
Since 2002, every U.S. administration has used this waiver authority annually to permit limited assistance to Baku.
