A historic trilateral meeting took place at the White House between U.S. President Donald Trump, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Following the negotiations, the parties signed the Washington Memorandum of Understanding, aimed at ending the long-standing Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and launching a new phase in the development of the South Caucasus.

The memorandum outlines key commitments: the official demarcation of borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the opening of a strategic transport corridor between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, a mutual renunciation of force, and an increase in diplomatic engagement. In addition, an international monitoring group was established, including representatives from the U.S., EU, and other countries, to oversee the implementation of the agreements.

After several years of relative inaction, the United States is returning to the politics of the Caucasus – not as a bystander, but as a direct guarantor of the diplomatic process. President Trump not only initiated the meeting but also publicly declared a “new era of stability and prosperity in the region”, highlighting America’s interest in economic integration and the security of the South Caucasus.

At the heart of the agreement are infrastructure projects, including the construction of transport and energy corridors with participation from American companies. This fosters mutual economic interdependence, which could form a solid foundation for sustainable peace between Baku and Yerevan.

The fact that the negotiations took place in Washington, not Moscow, symbolizes a shift in the center of influence in the Caucasus. This may alter the balance of power in a region previously dominated by Russia with support from Iran. Now, Armenia and Azerbaijan are presented with a new strategic direction – toward the West, opening up new opportunities but also introducing new challenges.

Despite the positive momentum, several critical issues remain unresolved: the status of Karabakh, the security of ethnic Armenians in territories returned to Azerbaijan, and humanitarian concerns such as the return of refugees and the demilitarization process.
President Trump emphasized that the United States is “ready to act as a guarantor of peace and to ensure that the agreements are fulfilled in the interests of the entire region”.

This historic meeting between Trump, Aliyev, and Pashinyan may mark the beginning of a new architecture of peace in the South Caucasus. The United States is presenting itself not as an abstract partner, but as a guarantor of peace, development, and security. For the South Caucasus, this is a chance – after a long history of conflict – to step toward stability and growth.

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08.08.2025 07:07