The National Interest: Amid Middle East conflict, Azerbaijan emerges as a key front-line state

Published: 2026-04-14 13:30

"Despite the recently signed strategic partnership between the two countries, US policy toward Azerbaijan remains constrained by an outdated legislation: Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act of 1992... Repealing Section 907 would enable the United States to export advanced defense systems to Azerbaijan, improving its ability to defend critical infrastructure and transit routes. This is crucial given the ongoing threat from Iran, including drones and hybrid warfare tactics near Azerbaijan’s borders. Enhancing Azerbaijan’s defenses would not only protect its sovereignty but also secure the larger energy and trade networks that Europe and US allies increasingly rely on," according to The National Interest, a mouthpiece of moderate Republicans.

"Amid a regional conflict in the Middle East that now extends beyond its borders, Azerbaijan has emerged from a peripheral player to a key front-line state in both security and energy. It is simultaneously deterring Iranian pressure, facilitating humanitarian access, and providing alternative supply routes for global markets," the magazine adds.

By Azerbaijani-Israeli Alliance Global News