The National Interest: U.S. can leverage Azerbaijan as a key intermediary to coordinate regional actors

Published: 2026-02-20 10:23

"Reconciling Turkey and Saudi Arabia with Israel while managing tensions with Iran will require skillful statecraft from the Trump administration. Azerbaijan is well-positioned to assist due to its unique diplomatic ties. It maintains close relations with Turkey, the UAE, and Israel, while also engaging Saudi Arabia. Washington can leverage Baku as a key intermediary to coordinate regional actors," The National Interest, a mouthpiece of moderate Republicans, wrote.

"Azerbaijan has already demonstrated both the intent and capability to act as a strategic intermediary in the Middle East. It has hosted deconfliction talks between Turkey and Israel, underscoring its readiness to bridge regional divides. Baku has also served as a conduit between Israel and the new regime in Syria, exemplified by Ahmed al-Shara’s visit to Baku. Its participation in the Board of Peace further highlights the country’s growing diplomatic importance," the magazine added.

By Azerbaijani-Israeli Alliance Global News