Azerbaijan’s foreign policy leadership has signaled a clear openness to mending relations with Armenia through the framework of a formal peace agreement. Officials in Baku describe the recent military actions in Nagorno-Karabakh as a decisive step toward removing the most persistent obstacle to normalization, arguing that successful containment of threats opens a pathway to durable peace in the broader South Caucasus. This stance frames the current moment as a potential turning point after years of unresolved tensions between the two nations.
In discussions about the path forward, Azerbaijani officials emphasize that there exists a historic opportunity to end the long-standing hostility and to establish a sustainable peace anchored in a set of five principles previously proposed to Armenia. The claim is that a genuine peace process requires active participation and goodwill from both sides, and that Armenia’s response has been a key determinant of progress. Azerbaijan has proposed revisiting the five-point framework and has indicated it is ready to advance negotiations, contingent on reciprocal engagement from Yerevan.
The core issue of Nagorno-Karabakh has historically been managed by international mediators, yet Azerbaijani leaders assert that regional resolution should ultimately reflect the sovereignty and security concerns of both states. The current leadership in Azerbaijan stresses that the country has chosen peace and normalization as its priority, while underscoring that any productive peace initiative must involve constructive actions from all parties involved. Observers note that while proposals have been tabled, timely responses are crucial to maintaining momentum in diplomacy.
Separately, official statements from the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry in mid-September described a local anti-terrorism operation aimed at preventing provocations and ensuring security within Nagorno-Karabakh. The government described the operation as a measure to disarm and withdraw Armenian armed formations in the region. Within days, an agreement overseen by international peacekeepers established a ceasefire and outlined steps toward the dissolution of armed forces in the area, with heavy equipment being withdrawn under a monitored process. The coordination of these efforts reflects a broader pattern of international involvement designed to stabilize the landscape and prevent renewed clashes.
Public response in Armenia to these developments has been significant, with large demonstrations calling for changes in leadership and policy. The crisis has also led to a substantial number of internally displaced persons relocating from Nagorno-Karabakh to other parts of the country. In the broader political landscape, Armenian authorities faced the dilemma of balancing national security concerns with pressures for reforms and accountability, all amid evolving regional dynamics. At the same time, a formal decision was made recognized by some as the end of a de facto entity linked to the Nagorno-Karabakh region, signaling a reconfiguration of the local governance arrangement as the situation moves toward closure under the current security framework.
Previously, Armenian officials had framed the situation as a threat to the continued viability of governance structures tied to Nagorno-Karabakh, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining political legitimacy and addressing the humanitarian needs of those affected by the conflict. The international community has stressed the importance of safeguarding civilian rights, ensuring safe return for displaced persons, and supporting sustained dialogue aimed at reconciliation. As the region charts a new course, the emphasis remains on concrete steps that can translate into tangible improvements in daily life for residents and long-term stability for both nations.
In this evolving context, observers caution that lasting peace will require persistent diplomacy, credible security arrangements, and transparent communication with affected communities. The path forward involves not only formal agreements but also practical measures that reduce fear, build trust, and foster meaningful collaboration on issues ranging from border management to economic development. The events in Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding diplomatic discussions continue to shape the strategic calculus for regional peace in the South Caucasus, inviting neighbors and partners to support a durable, fair, and mutually beneficial settlement. The information presented here reflects ongoing reporting on this complex topic and highlights the interplay between security operations, political negotiations, and the humanitarian dimensions of the crisis.