Karabakh

Azerbaijan criticized Israel for recognizing the Armenian genocide, a move viewed as a rebuke to Turkey. Azerbaijan and Israel are allies, but Azerbaijan expressed concern the decision could harm bilateral relations and called on Israel to reconsider. The recognition by Israel followed similar acknowledgments by over 20 countries, including the U.S., France, and Germany.

Armenia's parliamentary elections could determine its geopolitical alignment between Russia and the West. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's push for closer EU and US ties contrasts with opposition parties advocating pro-Russia policies. Relations with Russia deteriorated after Azerbaijan's 2023 control of Karabakh, prompting Armenia to distance itself from Moscow through actions like joining the International Criminal Court and suspending participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

US Senator Marco Rubio signed a minerals agreement with Armenia and pledged to advance the TRIPP corridor initiative, connecting Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan exclave to the rest of the country. The move aligns with Armenia's geopolitical shift toward the West following Moscow's inability to prevent Azerbaijan from capturing Karabakh.