Russian-Turkish ‘co-opetition’ from Syria to Nagorno-Karabakh

At a time when conflicts are increasingly interconnected, and provide tactical levers to assert pressure elsewhere, the competition between Russia-Iran and Turkiye in Syria and the South Caucasus is destined to overlap.

Azerbaijan claims they ‘crushed’ Armenian attack in Nagorno-Karabakh

The EU called for an immediate end to hostilities, and said both sides should respect the ceasefire

Iran willing to aid in reconstruction of Nagorno-Karabakh

During their conversation, the military chiefs of Iran and Azerbaijan said their nations hope to expand and consolidate bilateral relations

Iran bans trucks from entering the disputed Karabakh region, Azerbaijan responds by freeing two detained truck drivers

The announcements come as a show of good faith between the neighboring nations

Armenian PM expresses concerns over Russian peacekeepers

Pashinyan claims that Russian peacekeepers have failed to prevent disruptions in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region

Israel cannot use Azerbaijan as base to attack Iran: Official

Azeri officials continue to deny that Israel may be allowed to use its territory to attack Iran, despite the close relations between the two countries

Azerbaijan gives Israel ‘access to Iran’ as part of strategic alliance: Report

As part of this alliance, Azerbaijan receives the most advanced military hardware from Israel and allows the Mossad to establish a presence near the Iranian border

Israel to open embassy near Turkmenistan-Iran border

Israel's opening of an embassy in Turkmenistan is meant to send a message to Iran that Israel is a present and growing influence in the region

Russia affirms readiness to facilitate peace talks between Azerbaijan, Armenia

Tensions between the two nations have remained high for over two years since Yerevan and Baku disputed over the Nagorno-Karabakh region

Armenia delivers draft peace proposal to Azerbaijan

The two nations have been at odds for decades over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh territory

Humanitarian aid from Armenia to Turkiye crucial for normalization: Turkish FM

A few days prior, the border gate between Turkiye and Armenia, known as the Alican checkpoint, was opened for the first time in 35 years

Kuwait signs $370m agreement with Turkiye for Bayraktar drones

Bayraktar TB2 drones have an estimated cost of $5 million

Azerbaijan appoints first ambassador to Israel amid tensions with Iran

Israel is a strong supporter of Azerbaijan, providing military equipment and weapons to Azerbaijan’s armed forces

Predictions for 2023? Annus horribilis with some surprising upsides

The Cradle's writers offer up their predictions for 2023. The common theme is massive global shifts, some good, some bad.

South Caucasus: A battle of wills and corridors

Azerbaijan and Turkiye are gunning to establish the “Zangezur corridor,” in direct conflict with Iran and Armenia’s interests as it entails the blockade of the Lachin corridor – a lifeline for the ethnic Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Woman, Life, Freedom…and NATO

A superpower in decline still retains a vast appetite for irregular, proxy warfare to slow down the imminent multipolar order. Iran, Russia, China are its big targets and all tools will be employed.

Azeri president denounces France’s position on peace talks with Armenia

The French Senate called for sanctions on Baku, as Paris recognizes the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, and is urging Azerbaijan to withdraw from Armenian territory

Azerbaijan parliament approves opening embassy in Israel

With this decision, Azerbaijan will become the first Shia Muslim majority country to have an embassy in the occupied Palestinian territories

The Huseynyun: Iran’s challenge in forming a ‘Hezbollah of the Caucasus’

Azerbaijan’s Huseynyun is the least known of all Shia resistance factions backed by Iran, but its profile is growing.

Armenia and Iran sign several bilateral agreements

The meeting comes a day after Putin hosted Azeri and Armenian leaders to broker a peace settlement over the Nagorno-Karabakh region

The Gray Wolf returns to Central Asia: Turkey’s ambitions for the region

As a proponent of Pan-Turkism, Ankara is keen on expanding its influence across Central Asia, yet this foreign policy shift is likely to be checked by much bigger regional powers like China, Russia, and Iran.

Why India is arming Armenia against Azerbaijan

Trade routes and national security interests in the South Caucasus are central to New Delhi’s decision to arm Armenia

Turkish, Armenian leaders meet to hold bilateral talks

The meeting marks the first of its kind in over 13 years

Azerbaijan welcomed Turkish and Israeli defense ministers in consecutive days

While the exact details of the arms deals between Azerbaijan and Israel remains a secret, President Aliyev revealed that in 2016 his country close to $5bln in Israeli defense equipment

Can Iran push Russia to action in the South Caucasus?

Moscow and Tehran’s mutual ally, Armenia, is feeling the pressure of NATO-backed Azerbaijan’s assault on its sovereignty. It is in both countries' geopolitical and security interests not to allow Yerevan to fall

Armenia torn by internal queries and outside pressure

According to government sources, Armenia has lost 105 servicemen in the most recent attacks on its territory by Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Armenia border bombing kills 49 people

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said that Tehran is ready to assist the two states in settling their border dispute via 'peaceful channels'

The power troika trumps Biden in West Asia

The presidents of Russia, Iran, and Turkey convened to discuss critical issues pertaining to West Asia, with the illegal US occupation of Syria a key talking point

Iran in South Caucasus: Turning losses into wins

Determined not to be cut out of the South Caucasus, Iran is forging strategic ties with both Baku and Yerevan

Will Azerbaijan become a NATO pawn against Russia in South Caucasus?

Despite its recent 'alliance' upgrade with Russia, Azerbaijan wears many geopolitical masks and could play Trojan horse for Moscow's NATO adversaries