Israel and Baku: Why Azerbaijan Could Become a Key Mediator in the Middle East

Azerbaijan is capable of playing a significant role in peace efforts in the Middle East — this conclusion is reached by the American publication The National Interest. The analytical material emphasizes: Baku has a unique set of diplomatic ties that allow it to interact simultaneously with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel.

In the context of ongoing instability in the region, such a configuration of contacts acquires special significance for Washington, which is seeking sustainable coordination mechanisms among regional players.

Diplomatic balance: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Israel

Baku’s position as a connecting link

Azerbaijan maintains strategic relations with Turkey, develops cooperation with the United Arab Emirates and Israel, and also interacts with Saudi Arabia. Such a combination of partnerships creates conditions for mediation in the process of normalizing relations between Ankara, Riyadh, and Jerusalem.

According to the publication, Baku has already demonstrated readiness to act as a strategic mediator. In the past, it hosted negotiations to reduce tensions between Turkey and Israel and also served as a communication channel between Israel and the new Syrian authorities.

Azerbaijan’s participation in international formats, including the ‘Peace Council,’ confirms the expansion of its diplomatic weight.

Geography as a factor of influence

Azerbaijan’s geographical location has particular significance. The country is located along the northwestern border of Iran and has close cultural and political ties with Iranian Azerbaijanis.

For the USA, this creates an additional source of understanding of Iran’s internal dynamics and a tool for influencing the regional security architecture.

The analysis emphasizes that Baku could become an important platform for Washington to coordinate actions in Western Asia.

American vector: strategic charter and the 907th amendment

Vance’s visit and a new cooperation framework

On February 10, US Vice President Vance visited Baku. During the visit, a Strategic Partnership Charter was signed, providing for the expansion of cooperation in maritime security and economic connectivity.

This step consolidates Azerbaijan’s role as a participant in regional stabilization processes.

The publication notes that against the backdrop of the signing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia in 2025, American lawmakers are discussing the possibility of repealing the 907th amendment to the 1992 Freedom Support Act.

Cold War legacy

The 907th amendment restricts direct assistance to Azerbaijan and remains an obstacle to expanding US-Azerbaijani ties envisaged by the new Strategic Charter.

According to the authors of the material, the efforts of the largest Armenian organization in the USA — ANCA — to maintain restrictions appear increasingly anachronistic in the changed geopolitical reality.

Significant transformations in the region, as well as adjustments to the US global strategy, require a revision of outdated Cold War mechanisms.

Israeli context and regional logic

For Israel, the activation of Azerbaijan as a mediator has direct significance. The country is already an important partner of Jerusalem in the field of energy and security.

If Baku can facilitate the normalization of relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia with Israel, it will affect the balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf.

In this context, NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency notes that Azerbaijan’s geopolitical role goes beyond bilateral relations and becomes part of a broader security architecture in the Middle East.

Baku’s potential as a mediator is determined not only by diplomatic contacts but also by the ability to maintain working relations with different centers of power — from Ankara to Washington.

The question is whether Washington is ready to finally abandon past restrictions and integrate Azerbaijan into a new regional strategy. The answer to this will determine whether Baku becomes a real mediator or remains only a potential player against the backdrop of ongoing transformations in the region.