Armenia and Azerbaijan Sign Historic Peace Accord Mediated by Trump

In a landmark diplomatic event, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a preliminary peace agreement at the White House on August 8, 2025, with U.S. President Donald Trump mediating. The accord aims to resolve the decades-long conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region and introduces the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP), a strategic transit corridor through southern Armenia connecting Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave.

The agreement not only seeks to end longstanding hostilities but also signifies a geopolitical shift by reducing Russian influence in the South Caucasus. The TRIPP corridor, to be developed under U.S. oversight, is expected to enhance regional trade and economic cooperation. Additionally, both nations have entered into bilateral agreements with the United States focusing on energy, technology, border security, infrastructure, and trade.

Background on the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh dates back to the late 1980s, during the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The region, predominantly inhabited by ethnic Armenians, declared independence from Azerbaijan, leading to a protracted and violent struggle. Despite various ceasefires and international mediation efforts, a lasting resolution remained elusive. The most recent escalation occurred in 2020, resulting in significant casualties and territorial changes.

Details of the Peace Agreement

1. Establishment of the TRIPP Corridor: A strategic transit route through southern Armenia, connecting Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave. The corridor is set to include railways, oil and gas pipelines, and fiber optic lines. The United States has been granted exclusive development rights for this corridor, which will be operated under Armenian law. The U.S. plans to sublease the land to a consortium responsible for infrastructure construction and management.

2. Bilateral Agreements with the United States: Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have signed separate agreements with the U.S. focusing on energy, technology, border security, infrastructure, and trade. These agreements aim to enhance economic cooperation and regional stability.

3. Dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group: The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to request the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, signaling a shift from previous international mediation efforts to a new framework facilitated by the United States.

Statements from Key Figures

• President Donald Trump: "The countries of Armenia and Azerbaijan are committing to ending all fighting forever. They suffered greatly for so many years, many tried to find resolution... But with this accord, we finally succeeded in making peace."

• President Ilham Aliyev: "We are today establishing peace in the South Caucasus. Today we are writing a great new history."

• Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan: This agreement represents "opening a chapter of peace" and "laying foundations to a better story than the one we had in the past."

Implications

• Economic Development: The TRIPP corridor is expected to boost regional trade and economic cooperation, potentially leading to increased investment and prosperity for both nations.

• Geopolitical Shift: The U.S.-brokered deal marks a significant reduction in Russian influence in the region, as Armenia and Azerbaijan move away from Russian-led mediation efforts.

• Humanitarian Concerns: While the agreement addresses economic and infrastructural aspects, issues such as the status of Nagorno-Karabakh's residents, the return of displaced persons, and the release of prisoners of war remain unresolved, raising concerns among human rights organizations.

Conclusion

The signing of this preliminary peace agreement represents a pivotal moment in the South Caucasus, offering a path toward lasting peace and economic collaboration. However, the success of this accord will depend on the effective implementation of its provisions and the resolution of outstanding humanitarian issues.