Washington: In a significant diplomatic event, U.S. President Donald Trump, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan convened at the White House to sign a series of agreements aimed at establishing long-term peace in the South Caucasus. The meeting, which took place on August 8, 2025, followed a prior discussion between Aliyev and Pashinyan in Abu Dhabi concerning border delimitation and the Zangezur corridor.
According to Global Voices, the leaders shared a joint, seven-point declaration and a draft peace agreement, though the date for the final signing remains unspecified. President Trump proclaimed it a historic moment, emphasizing the transformation of former adversaries into allies. He credited the gathering as a pivotal step towards lasting peace, highlighting previous unsuccessful attempts by other international actors.
The draft peace agreement, revealed in March 2025, entails significant concessions from Armenia, including the withdrawal of European Union monitors from its borders and the dismissal of lawsuits in international courts. Armenia also faces demands to amend its constitution to eliminate any perceived territorial claims to Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Pashinyan has expressed support for adopting a new constitution through a national referendum planned for 2027.
The focal point of the agreement, the Zangezur Corridor, now dubbed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), is a crucial transport link through Armenia that connects Azerbaijan to its exclave of Nakhchivan. The corridor presents potential for enhanced trade and transit between Europe and Asia. The U.S. will oversee its development and administration through a selected operator for 99 years, maintaining Armenian sovereignty.
The agreement also includes the repeal of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, marking a new strategic partnership between the U.S. and Azerbaijan. Aliyev hailed the meeting as a historic day, expressing optimism for reconciliation between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The parties committed to permanently ceasing hostilities, opening trade and travel routes, establishing diplomatic relations, and respecting each other's territorial integrity. Trump highlighted the personal relationship between Aliyev and Pashinyan, dismissing concerns about potential setbacks.
International reactions varied, with Iran expressing caution over foreign-imposed changes, while Turkey and Western stakeholders praised the agreement as a step towards regional stability. In contrast, Russian reactions were more reserved, with some expressing concern over shifting geopolitical dynamics.