US President Donald Trump is set to host a groundbreaking “peace summit” this Friday at the White House between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Trump announced the summit on his Truth Social platform, confirming that Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will both attend.
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What to Expect at the Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Summit
President Trump shared that the summit will feature an official “peace signature ceremony” where the two leaders will agree on cooperation in energy, technology, economic development, border security, infrastructure, and business. This event marks a significant diplomatic push to resolve decades of hostility between Armenia and Azerbaijan, especially over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly confirmed the summit’s goal is to provide a platform for both countries to pursue peace and unlock economic opportunities in the strategically important South Caucasus region, long plagued by geopolitical tensions.
Historical Background: Conflict Over Nagorno-Karabakh
The Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict centers on the Nagorno-Karabakh region, a disputed area that led to two wars between the former Soviet republics. In 2023, Azerbaijan launched a military offensive, reclaiming Nagorno-Karabakh and displacing over 100,000 ethnic Armenians.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts—including recent talks in the United Arab Emirates—lasting peace has remained elusive. Trump acknowledged the long history of conflict, stating, “Both these nations have been at war for many years, resulting in thousands of casualties.” He also claimed, “Many leaders have tried to end the war, with no success so far—thank you for ‘Trump.’”
Key Challenges in the Peace Process
Major sticking points remain, including Azerbaijan’s demand to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group and remove any constitutional claims to Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenia’s legal framework. These demands are politically sensitive and pose significant challenges for Prime Minister Pashinyan, whose popularity is declining amid internal dissatisfaction.
Security expert Olesia Wartan warns that constitutional changes could spark a domestic crisis in Armenia, adding to the fragile political climate.
US Role and Diplomatic Implications
The summit underscores the growing influence of the United States in South Caucasus peace efforts, especially as Russia’s role in the region diminishes. Analysts suggest Washington’s increasing involvement is reshaping regional peace dynamics.
President Trump’s peace initiative also earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, following his diplomatic outreach that included the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Trump proudly hailed the upcoming summit as a “historic day for Armenia, Azerbaijan, the United States, and the world.”
This effort comes amid Trump’s broader push for peace, including attempts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, although results there remain limited due to ongoing Russian aggression. The summit also occurs alongside ongoing tensions in Gaza, where the US remains a key player in arms supply to Israel.
Looking Ahead: What This Summit Means for the Region and Beyond
As the summit approaches, global attention focuses on the White House as a potential turning point for peace in the South Caucasus. Success or failure here will have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and for American foreign policy across the Middle East and Europe.