live Iran, U.S. make competing claims over control of Strait of Hormuz
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains under its control, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of “total control” over t...
The strengthening of bilateral ties and peace initiatives in South Caucasus were in focus as President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met U.S. President Donald Trump in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday (22 January), on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2026.
The leaders welcomed the development of relations across various sectors following President Trump’s return to office.
Trump’s role in facilitating agreements aimed at advancing peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, reached in Washington on 8 August last year, was highlighted.
President Aliyev outlined the steps taken towards the normalisation of relations between the two countries, noting that peace has already been established in the region. He pointed to tangible outcomes such as the export of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia and the transit of imported grain through Azerbaijani territory.
The Azerbaijani President also emphasised the strategic importance of the Zangezur Corridor, including the TRIPP project, in enhancing regional connectivity.
There was also discussion about the Board of Peace, chaired by President Trump, with both leaders noting its role in strengthening peace in the Middle East and contributing to the resolution of global conflicts. Azerbaijan’s invitation to join as a founding member was described as a reflection of the Azerbaijan–U.S. strategic partnership and the country’s contribution to global peace efforts.
Finally, the Presidents exchanged views on the future of bilateral relations, stressing the importance of reciprocal visits and high-level contacts to further deepen cooperation.
Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has increased the strategic importance of Bab al-Mandab, raising fears that instability in both waterways could trigger a wider global energy and trade crisis.
Flights at Catania airport in Sicily will remain suspended until early Friday as ash from Mount Etna continues to disrupt air travel, following hundreds of cancellations and diversions over the past week.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains under its control, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of “total control” over the strategic waterway and insisting it will not reopen until Washington fulfils its commitments under an interim deal.
Iran and the United States remain at loggerheads over efforts to agree a permanent end to the war in the Gulf, according to a senior Iranian source who said there had been no progress in talks to revive the interim deal agreed in June and define a timeframe to implement it.
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The suspension of two major grain terminals in Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk could increase pressure on Kazakhstan’s agricultural market if Russian exporters divert supplies to Central Asia at discounted prices.
Georgia’s Prime Minister says the EU’s inclusion of a major Black Sea cable project on a key infrastructure list is fresh evidence of the country’s importance to regional energy and digital connectivity.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has dismissed Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan and appointed former parliament speaker Alen Simonyan as his replacement.
Central Asia’s economy has surpassed $543 billion, driven by Kazakhstan’s economic weight, strong exports and foreign investment, while growing trade across Asia points to an increasingly connected region.
The United Nations refugee agency is planning a settlement and carpet-weaving workshop for Afghan returnees in Kabul as the country grapples with large-scale returns and growing pressure on housing, jobs and basic services.
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