In a deliberate display of diplomatic engagement, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken offered to assist in peace talks with Azerbaijan during a phone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The message appears in an official post from the United States Department of State, underscoring Washington’s readiness to play a constructive role in advancing regional stability. The pledge to support direct negotiations reflects a broader US strategy that prioritizes diplomacy and multilateral channels as the pathway to enduring peace in the South Caucasus. The statement stresses that military force cannot create a lasting resolution and that sustainable security will come through dialogue, confidence-building measures, and sustained international oversight.
Pashinyan has previously highlighted that the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh has not escalated into a catastrophe thanks to the continued presence and activities of Russian peacekeepers. He noted that since the 2020 conflict, Russia has enjoyed a central role as guarantor of safety for the local population and the infrastructure that supports civilian life. This acknowledgment reflects a pragmatic assessment of the complex security environment in the region, where multiple international actors contribute to stabilizing efforts while political processes move forward in parallel. The Armenian leadership has consistently emphasized the importance of protecting civilian rights and ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services for residents of Nagorno-Karabakh as negotiations proceed.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indicated that an agreement had been reached with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on steps to normalize the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. The dialogue between Moscow and Yerevan, alongside other regional stakeholders, points to a concerted effort to align diplomatic channels with on-the-ground realities. The discussions reportedly covered confidence-building measures, transparency in security arrangements, and mechanisms for monitoring the humanitarian situation. The interplay among these actors illustrates the delicate balance required to stabilize the area while pursuing a durable political settlement that respects the interests and security concerns of both Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the civil populations affected by the conflict. The evolving talks underscore the expectation that international mediation will continue to support a pragmatic and peaceful transition away from confrontation toward constructive cooperation and regional normalization. cited sources indicate ongoing coordination among the involved ministries and diplomatic staff as part of a broader strategy to reduce tensions and prevent renewed escalation.