U.S. think tank: Azerbaijan is Central Asia’s only alternative to Russia and Iran for goods heading westward

Published: 2026-02-14 12:15

"Azerbaijan’s access to the Caspian Sea is a critical strategic draw. Economically, Azerbaijan is Central Asia’s only alternative to Russia and Iran for goods heading westward to Mediterranean ports. Militarily, Russia and Iran rely on the Caspian to transport weapons to each other, passing through Azerbaijani waters. Historically, Azerbaijan has also offered support and air access for U.S. and allied efforts in Kosovo, the Middle East, and Central Asia," notes the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), an American neoconservative think tank.

"Under the new strategic partnership, Vance agreed to provide an unspecified number of ships to Azerbaijan. This indicates growing American commitment to protecting Azerbaijan’s logistical corridor from the potential for Russo-Iranian interference while supporting an Azerbaijani naval force capable of competing with Russia’s Caspian Flotilla," FDD adds.

By Azerbaijani-Israeli Alliance Global News