Baku, August 28, 2025 — Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s latest interview with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Arabiya television is being read as a forceful projection of Baku’s regional strategy, mixing confidence in peace diplomacy with clear warnings to neighbors and global players.
Political analyst Azer Garaev, commenting to Trend, called the interview “a message-packed roadmap” that reflects Azerbaijan’s diplomatic achievements and strategic ambitions.
Washington Accord: A Turning Point
Garaev underscored Aliyev’s emphasis on the Washington peace document, initialed in August 2025, describing it as a “historic milestone that effectively closes the chapter of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.” He noted that while final ratification depends on constitutional amendments in Armenia, the agreement already signals the start of a “new era of peace and cooperation.”
Zangezur Corridor as “Trump Route”
Aliyev’s remarks also revived discussion of the Zangezur Corridor, dubbed the “Trump Route.” Garaev said the initiative strengthens Azerbaijan’s geopolitical weight, linking the mainland to Nakhchivan and boosting its role as a regional transit hub. “This model is win–win: Armenia, too, can benefit if it chooses a constructive path,” he stressed.
Tensions with Russia After Downed Plane
The political analyst did not avoid the darker notes in Aliyev’s comments — particularly the fallout from the downing of an Azerbaijani civilian aircraft by Russia. The incident, Garaev said, has “deeply shaken bilateral ties and caused enormous frustration among the Azerbaijani public.” Aliyev’s call for a transparent investigation, he argued, highlights Baku’s determination to pursue accountability while resisting escalatory moves.
The subsequent rise in anti-Azerbaijani violence inside Russia, Garaev added, underlines the fragile state of relations: “Azerbaijan prefers dialogue and peace, but it will not tolerate disrespect toward its state or people.”
Iran, the U.S., and Strategic Balancing
Aliyev also touched on relations with Iran, emphasizing institutional trust-building and regional connectivity through diversified transport routes — a sign, Garaev said, of Azerbaijan’s “strategic flexibility.”
On the U.S., Aliyev praised President Donald Trump as “bold and active” in peace efforts, even supporting his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. “This reflects Azerbaijan’s willingness to take a principled stand in global politics,” Garaev noted.
Turkic Unity and Regional Leadership
The interview also highlighted Azerbaijan’s expanding role within the Organization of Turkic States, described as a cornerstone of unity and regional development. “This confirms Azerbaijan’s status as a reliable and influential player on both the regional and global stage,” Garaev said.
A Confident Posture
Overall, Garaev argued, Aliyev’s interview presented Azerbaijan as a peace-driven but assertive regional power — one ready to engage constructively, but equally firm in defending national dignity and sovereignty.
