A significant development in the complex Azerbaijan - Armenia scenario is the growing confrontation between Armenia’s political leadership and the Armenian Apostolic Church.
A series of statements by Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has reignited debate over freedom of speech, the role of the Orthodox Church, and the influence of the European Union.
President Ilham Aliyev has said the opening of the Zangezur corridor is no longer in question, describing it as a strategic transport link that will connect mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and carry cargo from China and Central Asia to wider regional markets.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met the outgoing U.S. ambassador Kristina Kvien at his office in capital Yerevan on Wednesday (7 January), according to a statement released by his office.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has confirmed that fuel imports from Azerbaijan have resumed, saying the market is open to all businesses and that discussions on broader trade and border processes are continuing.
Armenia has confirmed the shipment of a second batch of petroleum products from Azerbaijan, underscoring expanding economic ties between the two countries following the recent peace process. Yerevan's Ministry of Economy’s spokesperson, Lilit Shaboyan, verified the information.
Azerbaijan said it's conducting due diligence ahead of a potential $250–270 million investment in Israeli desalination company IDE Technologies, according to reports. The state investment company, Azerbaijan Investment Holding (AIH), is reportedly exploring the purchase of a 30% stake in the firm.
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce the creation of a Gaza “Board of Peace” next week as part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, according to reports.
The leader of Yemen’s southern separatists failed to travel to Riyadh for crisis talks on Wednesday, leaving his fate unclear and complicating efforts to contain a military escalation that has widened a rift between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Azerbaijan is set to deliver a new consignment of oil products to Armenia on 8 January, with shipments departing from the Guzdak railway station and the Baku cargo terminal.
Azerbaijan and Syria have reached an agreement to establish a joint business council aimed at enhancing trade and economic cooperation between the two nations, according to the Syrian embassy in Azerbaijan.
Iran’s chief justice has warned protesters there will be “no leniency for those who help the enemy against the Islamic Republic”, as rights groups reported a rising death toll during what observers describe as the country’s biggest wave of unrest in three years.
The Azerbaijan National NGO Forum has sent an open letter to Russia’s ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mikhail Yevdokimov.
Russia has said bad weather was the cause of the AZAL plane crash in Kazakhstan in December 2024. A leaked document in the form of a letter, reportedly from Russia’s Investigative Committee was sent to Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General, making the claim, prompting the criminal case to be closed.
Open-source intelligence (OSINT) sources reported a significant movement of U.S. military aircraft towards the Middle East in recent hours. Dozens of U.S. Air Force aerial refuelling tankers and heavy transport aircraft were observed heading eastwards, presumably to staging points in the region.
Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company has lodged an appeal against international sanctions imposed on five of its vessels over allegations they transported Russian crude oil.
The head of the United Arab Emirates‑backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) of Yemen, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, has fled to an unknown location on Wednesday (7 January), skipping a scheduled flight to Riyadh for crisis talks, according to Saudi‑backed coalition officials.
Iran has executed a man accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence service, the country’s judiciary reported on Wednesday, 7 January, amid an intensifying campaign against alleged foreign agents.
International law remains codified through treaties, charters, and resolutions, but enforcement depends largely on political will. When major powers choose not to comply, there is no global authority capable of compelling implementation.
President Ilham Aliyev has said Azerbaijan is not considering participation in any combat or peace enforcement mission in the Gaza Strip, stressing that any discussion of involvement depends on a clearly defined international mandate, the nature of the mission, and the consent of all parties.
