Armenia and Azerbaijan Sign Historic Peace Accord Mediated by Trump

In a landmark move to end nearly four decades of conflict, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a preliminary peace agreement at the White House on August 8, 2025. The accord, mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump, introduces the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP), a strategic transit corridor through Armenia's Zangezur region, connecting Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave.

The agreement commits both nations to mutual recognition of territorial integrity, renunciation of territorial claims, and a pledge to refrain from the use of force, aligning with international law. A significant component is the TRIPP corridor, which grants the United States exclusive development rights for 99 years. This corridor is expected to enhance regional trade and reduce Russian and Iranian influence in the South Caucasus.

The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh began in the late 1980s during the Soviet Union's dissolution, leading to major escalations in the early 1990s and again in 2020. In 2023, Azerbaijan regained full control over the region, resulting in a mass exodus of its ethnic Armenian population.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan described the agreement as a "solid foundation for establishing a reliable and lasting peace," reflecting the balanced interests of both countries. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that the agreement would lead to "long-lasting peace, eternal peace in the Caucasus." U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted the significance of the accord, stating, "Thirty-five years they fought and now they’re friends and they’re going to be friends for a long time."

The TRIPP corridor is anticipated to reshape regional dynamics by providing a direct link between Azerbaijan and Turkey, bypassing Iran and Russia. This development is seen as a strategic move to diminish Russian and Iranian influence in the South Caucasus. However, both Russia and Iran have expressed concerns, viewing the project as a strategic threat.

The agreement also involves Armenia and Azerbaijan's joint request to dissolve the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE) Minsk Group, marking a shift from previous mediation efforts.

While the agreement marks a significant step toward peace, challenges remain. Armenia faces internal political risks, including upcoming elections and potential Russian interference, which could impact the implementation of the agreement. Human rights organizations have urged the U.S. to address issues such as Azerbaijan's detention of political prisoners, emphasizing the need for comprehensive peace that includes human rights considerations.

The successful implementation of the TRIPP corridor and the broader peace agreement holds the potential to transform the South Caucasus region, fostering economic development and stability. However, the path forward will require careful navigation of geopolitical tensions and domestic political landscapes.