On Friday, an unprecedented peace accord was signed at the White House, where President Donald Trump welcomed Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
According to New York Post, the accord promotes regional collaboration through a strategic railway project, enhancing U.S. influence in a traditionally Russian-dominated area, and earning Trump a Nobel Peace Prize nomination.
The initiative, dubbed the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity," is set to connect Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, to the Nakhchivan exclave via southern Armenia. This deal not only increases connectivity between the two nations but also establishes a new commercial link through the tumultuous region. Meanwhile, it underscores a shift away from Russian regional dominance, positioning the U.S. as a new strategic player in the South Caucasus.
President Trump has pledged to mediate any future disputes between the two nations, highlighting the U.S.'s role as a peace broker. While the accord draws attention to prospective opportunities, it notably fails to address the resolution of issues surrounding the 120,000 displaced Nagorno-Karabakh residents.
The railway project, which was initially proposed by Armenia, aims to extend connectivity from Azerbaijan through Armenia to Europe. Its implementation is set to commence with detailed discussions opening the subsequent week, focusing on the specifics of the agreement.
As part of this peace-building effort, both leaders have decided to nominate President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, acknowledging the unusual but impactful approach of the U.S. leadership.
President Pashinyan expressed his admiration, stating, "I think President Trump deserves to have a Nobel Peace Prize. Hopefully, you will invite us [to the ceremony]." President Trump reciprocated by humorously ensuring their place in the "front row." President Aliyev echoed his counterpart's sentiments, crediting Trump's leadership as pivotal in securing this agreement.
“Maybe we agree with Prime Minister Pashinyan to send a joint appeal to the Nobel committee to award President Trump with a Nobel Peace Prize. From the leaders of the countries that were at war for more than three decades, having this signature here really means a lot.”
Additionally, Aliyev pointedly compared the previous Nobel laureate selections, suggesting that Trump's recent achievements have shown more tangible results.
Administration officials have portrayed the deal as a triumph in the shifting geopolitical landscape, acknowledging that it offers both peace and financial benefits. They quickly noted, "What President Trump has done is, he’s taken the politics out of the picture and made common sense prevail."
The new railway is expected to redirect trade flows in the region, which traditionally moved through Russia or Iran, reshaping the economic and political dynamics significantly. By offering fresh opportunities for Western businesses, the United States aims to enhance energy resource distribution alliances across Europe.
In detailing the economic significance, a U.S. official stated that the venture is far from charity, labeling it as a "highly investable entity." This development not only serves peace but also propagates "commercial prosperity," fostering durable peace beyond the accord's formal signing.
As talks continue, the international community will be closely watching the Nobel committee’s decision on October 10, acknowledging the bold diplomatic strides taken amidst complex regional conflicts. The agreement signifies a monumental step towards fostering stability via infrastructure and innovative diplomacy.
In view of the railway initiative, the agreement intends to establish lasting peace while transitioning geopolitical alliances. This groundbreaking accord adds an innovative chapter to U.S. foreign policies, marking a shift in leadership and influence in a delicate region.
