The National Interest: Azerbaijan is a strategic U.S. partner in Eurasia

Published: 2025-10-09 08:15

"From the US geopolitical perspective, Azerbaijan represents a pivotal strategic partner in Eurasia. Having played a key role in mediating a historic peace agreement between Azerbaijan and neighboring Armenia, the Trump administration must now recalibrate its broader foreign policy toward the Turkic nation to strengthen its ties with America. Azerbaijan, the only state bordering both Russia and Iran, has emerged as a focal point of China’s deepening strategic and economic engagement. For the United States, Azerbaijan’s geoeconomic significance stems from its position as a critical energy supplier and transit hub that diversifies global routes while anchoring US access to Central Asia," writes The National Interest, a mouthpiece of moderate Republicans.

"When it comes to Iran, Azerbaijan is a natural strategic partner for Washington. As a secular, Shia-majority state on Iran’s northwestern frontier, it has long opposed the Islamic Republic, though regional constraints have historically limited its effectiveness as a counterbalance. Azerbaijan’s victory in the 2020 war with Armenia, however, shifted the balance of power in the South Caucasus, enhancing its regional influence. More importantly, Iran’s recent setbacks in its conflict with Israel have created a timely opportunity for Baku to serve as a key US partner in managing a neighbor that is likely to remain a challenge for years to come," The National Interest adds.

By Azerbaijani-Israeli Alliance Global News