Category: Azer News

The resettlement of Azerbaijanis to territories liberated from occupation is continuing as part of the Great Return program, in line with the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev.

AzerNEWS reports that at the latest stage of the program, 11 families comprising 39 people have been relocated to the village of Kichik Galaderesi in Shusha, while 18 families, or 82 people, have returned to the village of Guzeykhirman in Khojavand district and another 21 families, totaling 103 people, have moved to Guneykhirman.

The families returning to their ancestral homes had previously been temporarily accommodated in different parts of Azerbaijan, mainly in dormitories, sanatoriums and administrative buildings.

For many of the returning residents, the resettlement marks the fulfillment of a dream they had waited decades to realize. They are now beginning new lives in their ancestral villages, contributing to the revival of communities that had remained empty for years.

Among those returning to Kichik Galaderesi is Orkhan Gasimov, for whom the move carries profound personal and emotional significance.

‘We are moving to Galaderesi village in Shusha district. We are returning to the land where our father fought. We are going there to revive our village and build a new life there,’ Gasimov said.

He said he was particularly happy to witness the revival of his native village, adding that rural life is a dream for many people who have spent years in cities. For him, however, Galaderesi represents much more: it is his ancestral land, his homeland and the place he had long hoped to return to.

‘That is our ancestral land, our homeland. Whatever work there is to be done, we will do it and live there. The beauty of nature and the air there make a person feel healthier and spiritually younger. They also give you a desire to live,’ the young Shusha resident said.

Gasimov said his feelings of admiration for Galaderesi’s natural beauty were accompanied by a deep sense of pride in returning to his homeland. He also viewed the return as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the struggle to liberate the territories.

‘Indeed, God has given us a great blessing. If we are returning there at the cost of so much bloodshed, we are going with a sense of pride and joy. God willing, everything will be better,’ he said.

The same sense of joy and pride is being experienced by families returning to Khojavand’s Guzeykhirman village.

Vagif Gozalov, one of the residents returning to the village, described the day as one of the happiest and most eagerly awaited moments of his life.

‘Today is truly one of the happiest days we have been waiting for with great hope. We are returning to our homeland, to Khojavand and to Guzeykhirman village,’ Gozalov said.

He praised the efforts undertaken by the Azerbaijani state to make the return possible and expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, while wishing good health to wounded veterans and other servicemen.

Gozalov also expressed his hope that other Azerbaijanis displaced from their ancestral homes would soon have the opportunity to return.

‘We are returning with great joy. What could be more beautiful or happier than these days? I wish everyone success and hope that our happy days will continue on those lands,’ he said.

For Gozalov, the return of displaced families is closely connected with the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. He also expressed optimism about the country’s future.

‘The path we are following for the sake of a united Azerbaijan shows that the course pursued by our Supreme Commander-in-Chief is the right one. May God rest the soul of our National Leader. Our President is successfully continuing his policy. All our lands are free,’ the former internally displaced person said.

He expressed the hope that people would no longer have to endure the suffering caused by displacement and would instead live peacefully and prosperously in their ancestral homes.

The latest resettlements underscore the broader transformation taking place across Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, where reconstruction, infrastructure development and the return of former internally displaced persons are gradually turning long-awaited homecomings into a new reality.

For the families arriving in Shusha and Khojavand, the Great Return is not simply a change of residence. It represents the restoration of family roots, the revival of local communities and the beginning of a new chapter of life in the places they have long regarded as home.

The United Arab Emirates has reportedly expressed readiness to fully finance a potential Syrian military operation in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, including covering fighters’ salaries and operational costs, AzerNEWS reports via Al Mayadeen.

The reported proposal was linked to a broader US-backed scenario under which Syria’s new leadership would deploy its forces into Lebanon to confront Hezbollah.

According to the report, Abu Dhabi was prepared to provide the financial resources required for such an intervention, including funding personnel and combat operations.

The plan was reportedly opposed by Iran, which warned Syria’s new leadership and regional governments that a Syrian military intervention against Hezbollah could trigger a broader regional confrontation.

The report comes amid continued uncertainty over the role of Syria’s post-Assad government in regional security arrangements and its relations with both Israel and Hezbollah. Tehran has maintained close ties with Hezbollah, while Gulf states have sought to expand their influence over Syria’s new political order.

Al Mayadeen’s report did not provide independent evidence confirming that the UAE had formally committed to financing such an operation. Neither Abu Dhabi nor Damascus has publicly confirmed the reported plan.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia.

According to AzerNEWS, the letter reads:

“Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend to you and, through you, to the friendly people of Indonesia my sincerest congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of August 17, the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia.

At present, Azerbaijan and Indonesia have ample opportunities to further expand cooperation in a number of areas of mutual interest, particularly in the economic, investment, humanitarian, and other fields.

I am confident that we will continue to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Indonesia for the well-being of our peoples.

On this significant day, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your high state office, and the friendly people of Indonesia lasting peace and prosperity.”

Nestlé is looking to turn the growing popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss medications into a new business opportunity. The company plans to use artificial intelligence and nutritional science to develop products aimed at millions of people taking drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, AzerNEWS reports.

The food giant believes the rise of these medications is creating a new market for products designed to help consumers deal with some of the challenges associated with rapid weight loss. These can include muscle loss, reduced nutrient intake and changes in facial fat – a phenomenon often referred to as ‘Ozempic face.’

According to Boston Consulting Group, around 16 million Americans are currently using medications that target the GLP-1 pathway, and that number could increase significantly by the end of the decade.

Nestlé Chief Technology Officer Stefan Palzer said the company’s scientists are studying the effects of rapid weight loss and developing products that could help consumers maintain muscle health, hydration and adequate nutrition. The company is also using AI to analyze large amounts of clinical research and identify combinations of nutrients that may be beneficial during weight loss.

Nestlé has already begun adapting some of its products. Its Vital Proteins brand has added collagen protein to certain products, targeting concerns related to skin, hair and nail health. In the US, the company has also launched Boost Advanced Nutrition Shake, which contains 35 grams of protein and is marketed as a way to support muscle health during weight loss.

Meanwhile, in Asia and Australia, Nestlé has introduced Milo PRO High Protein, a higher-protein version of its popular malt-based drink.

The company is also experimenting with AI-powered consumer models that can predict how customers might respond to new products and health claims before those products reach supermarket shelves.

However, not everyone is convinced that GLP-1 users need specialized foods. Amanda Avery, an associate professor in food and nutrition at the University of Nottingham, argues that many of the nutrients promoted in these products can already be obtained from ordinary foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts and other legumes.

Still, the potential market is enormous. As GLP-1 medications become increasingly common, food companies are beginning to compete for a new type of consumer – one who may eat less but pay more attention to protein, vitamins, hydration and overall nutritional quality.

An interesting twist is that the GLP-1 boom could change not only the pharmaceutical industry but also the entire food market. If millions of people have smaller appetites, companies may have to rethink what they sell – shifting from products designed to make people eat more toward smaller, nutrient-dense foods designed to deliver more nutrition in every bite.

The Iranian government is reportedly preparing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for a potentially wider confrontation with the United States, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cited Iranian and Arab officials, AzerNEWS reports.

The report says Tehran has used the current period of negotiations with Washington not only to pursue diplomacy but also to strengthen its military position and prepare for a possible escalation.

According to the report, over the past two months Iran has increased the IRGC’s control over the country’s military structures, appointed new commanders, expanded missile and drone production and strengthened its domestic counterintelligence network.

The changes come amid a broader restructuring of Iran’s security establishment under Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Several veteran IRGC figures have been elevated to senior military and security positions, reflecting a harder line toward Washington and a greater emphasis on preparing for a prolonged confrontation.

The Wall Street Journal also reported that IRGC advisers have been sent to Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon, where they are coordinating with Iran-aligned armed groups. Intercepted communications reviewed by the newspaper reportedly indicate that Iranian advisers have been involved in preparations for a broader regional confrontation.

The developments come despite ongoing diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington. The two sides reached a memorandum of understanding in June that temporarily reduced hostilities, while the United States subsequently held off on a planned attack after mediators reported progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The reported military preparations suggest, however, that Iran’s leadership views diplomacy and military readiness as parallel tracks rather than mutually exclusive options. Recent reporting has similarly described the IRGC as gaining greater influence over Iran’s decision-making as negotiations with Washington remain uncertain.

German defence company Rheinmetall will supply another 149 mobile medical stations to the country’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, under a contract worth more than pound 500 million, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the company, production is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027. The new order, placed in July, will increase the total number of mobile medical systems ordered by the Bundeswehr to 165, while the overall value of the contracts will rise to around pound 600 million.

The mobile medical stations are designed to provide first aid and emergency medical care to military personnel close to areas of operation. Each system consists of two containers and can operate independently, without requiring permanent infrastructure.

The stations can be deployed and dismantled relatively quickly by a team of just four soldiers. Their medical equipment can also be configured according to the mission, allowing the systems to be adapted for different operational requirements.

Another important advantage is their mobility. The units can be transported using various types of military vehicles and deployed even in difficult or remote terrain, giving the Bundeswehr greater flexibility when providing medical support to troops.

The contract is also notable because it highlights a broader shift in modern defence planning: medical support is increasingly being treated as an integral part of military readiness rather than simply a rear-area function. In a high-intensity conflict, the ability to provide treatment quickly and close to the battlefield can have a major impact on the survival and recovery of wounded personnel.

For Rheinmetall, the order further strengthens its position as one of Germany’s key defence suppliers as Berlin continues to expand and modernize the Bundeswehr’s capabilities.

The Azerbaijan Ministry of Finance released its seven-month budget execution data on Monday in the kind of quiet, matter-of-fact format that fiscal ministries favour when the numbers are good. The budget revenues of the State for January through July 2026 amounted to 23.594 billion manats, which is roughly $13.88 billion, showing an excess over the projection by 855.9 million manats ($503.5 million), or 3.8%. The budget expenditures amounting to 20.174 billion manats ($11.87 billion) exceeded the same period last year by 1.2%, resulting in a budget surplus of 3.42 billion manats ($2.01 billion). The budget surplus of the consolidated budget, consisting of state enterprises and extrabudgetary funds, amounted to 5.1 billion manats ($3 billion), or approximately 4.45% of GDP. This means that Azerbaijan belongs to the category of countries that have become extremely rare today in the world, countries that earn more than they spend.

To appreciate what the Azerbaijani figures represent, it helps to place them alongside the fiscal performance of countries facing comparable global pressures. The IMF trimmed its 2026 global growth forecast by 0.3 percentage points in April, citing tariff wars, trade fragmentation, and the energy shock triggered by the Hormuz blockade. The effects are visible in public finances across most major economies.

Revenue breakdown and oil windfall

Contributions from the State Tax Service made up the biggest chunk of January-July revenue, at 11.474 billion manats ($6.75 billion), which were 8% higher than projected. The State Customs Committee collected 3.752 billion manats ($2.21 billion), or 99.9% of its target, which represents an annual rise of 4.5%, in contrast to last year’s fall. Transfers from SOFAZ, the State Oil Fund, came precisely equal to forecast at 7.490 billion manats ($4.41 billion), representing about 32% of the entire state budget revenue. ‘Other income’ – income from other sources not falling under taxes and customs – came in 54.4% higher than projected at 427.8 million manats ($251.6 million), which is not a rounding error and indicates above-average state revenue from asset sales and services.

It is, therefore, worth analyzing the tax performance of the non-oil sector. Between January and July, the taxes collected from the non-oil sectors were 8.488 billion manats ($4.99 billion) – 11.8% higher than the same period the previous year and 3.1% ahead of projections. Against the background of a budget that had been put together based on an oil price benchmark of $65 per barrel, growth of 11.8% in non-oil tax revenues is a structural indication that the economic diversification strategy is paying dividends.

In regard to the oil windfall headline, the honest reading of the surplus requires acknowledging that elevated global energy prices are doing significant work. The country’s budget for 2026 was predicated on oil prices at $65 per barrel, much lower than the price of Brent after the Hormuz blockade started back in February. Under today’s spot prices, every dollar above the budget estimate creates extra income that goes partially through SOFAZ transfers and partially through tax receipts from the upstream sector. According to Fitch Ratings, Azerbaijan will keep its current account surplus at 4.5% of GDP for the entire year.

The structural counterpoint is what Finance Minister Sahil Babayev said in May: “While the share of oil in the state budget stood at 48% in 2025, we expect this figure to drop to 42-43% this year. By 2030, we plan for this metric to reach just 30%.”

The projection given by him – 48% to 30% oil dependence in five years – is getting confirmed in part by the January-July figures. A year-over-year increase in tax revenue from non-oil sources by 11.8%, in an environment in which the overall economic activity has been buoyed up by the oil price rally, indicates that the non-oil base is growing more quickly than the oil rally itself could have generated. This is the very criterion needed for diversification: not just a simple growth in non-oil taxes, but a faster growth than the growth of the oil windfall in percentage terms.

A 4.45% consolidated budget surplus is a genuinely strong fiscal position by any comparative standard. It is worth noting the conditions that have produced it. The Hormuz blockage, the Red Sea turmoil, and the pipeline constraints in Russia have made the energy market tight and provided great profits for Azerbaijan as an energy exporter in direct proportion to the losses of energy importers in Europe and Asia. Azerbaijan’s fiscal strength in 2026 is partially explained by a worldwide disaster that hits other countries harder than Baku. This cannot be taken as criticism – it is a structural feature of being an oil and gas exporter in the supply-constrained environment, and over a decade Azerbaijan created the necessary infrastructure (Southern Gas Corridor, Middle Corridor, renewable energy corridor) to capitalize on this structural advantage. But one should keep in mind that the sustainability of this surplus depends on the development trajectory of the non-oil economy and the duration of the present energy market situation.

The 748,000 payment orders executed by treasury bodies “on time and in full”, the Ministry of Finance’s lead headline in its release, is the mundane administrative detail that serious fiscal analysts track most closely. Payment execution discipline is the difference between a surplus that improves public services and a surplus that sits on a spreadsheet while government contractors wait for their money. That Azerbaijan’s treasury is processing at that volume without arrears, in a year when expenditures are 1.2% above the prior period, is the operational quality indicator behind the headline fiscal performance. It is the number that makes everything else work.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that it has shot down more than 200 “enemy aircraft” since the start of the war.

According to AzerNEWS, it was stated by Major General Mostafa Izadi, Deputy Commander of the IRGC, in a statement.

Izadi described the conflict as a “hybrid war” and said that Iran’s enemies had sought to destabilize the country both internally and through military operations.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran not only did not disintegrate, and the Islamic system was not weakened; on the contrary, the Islamic Republic demonstrated that it is stronger and more determined in Iran than ever before,” he added.

It should be recalled that the latest escalation in US-Iran relations began on July 8. On that day, US forces launched several waves of strikes against Iranian territory, reportedly in response to an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such strikes following a memorandum signed between Washington and Tehran. On the same day, US President Donald Trump announced the termination of the ceasefire with Iran.

In response, Tehran began striking US facilities located in Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Oman. Iran currently says that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed.

The rapid growth of OpenAI, Anthropic, and other AI companies has created a new wave of millionaires and billionaires who are spending their fortunes on homes, private jets, supercars, and yachts, AzerNEWS reports, citing the Financial Times.

According to UBS, the number of billionaires worldwide increased by 13% over the past year to 3,302. In San Francisco, the median price of a private home reached $2.1 million, rising by nearly 25% year-on-year.

However, the new tech elite differs from traditional wealthy individuals. Young millionaires value speed, privacy, personalization, and a healthy lifestyle more than ostentatious luxury. They want to book private jets through apps and WhatsApp, pay in cryptocurrency, and receive healthy meals instead of champagne.

Lamborghini Urus models, Ferrari and Porsche cars are proving popular, as are functional yachts equipped with gyms, Starlink, and gear for outdoor activities. Among the buyers are Nvidia employees and investors who have benefited from the AI boom.

A private jet is one of the clearest symbols of immense wealth, according to the FT. Flexjet, a company that offers fractional aircraft ownership, has seen an increase in customers who made their fortunes through AI or other technology-company stock offerings. Flexjet CEO Andrew Collins said this trend has reduced the average age of the company’s clients by 10 years.

People working in industries related to AI are also becoming wealthy. One client of charter group FlyVicto, a data-center builder, booked flights across the US and Europe while waiting for the purchase of a new long-range Bombardier aircraft to be completed.

Charles Robinson, founder of charter marketplace EnterJet, said these “digital-native” clients not only want to pay in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies but also generally prefer booking through the company’s app or WhatsApp, bypassing brokers and the “theater of traditional private aviation.”

Multimillionaires and billionaires who have made their fortunes in AI favor exclusive features and are willing to replace their cars after just six months to get the latest models.

Lamborghini has been particularly successful in attracting the younger generation of AI entrepreneurs with its Urus performance SUV, which brokers told the publication can be extensively personalized, with more than 150 colors to choose from. In addition to customization options, young buyers can add aerodynamic and carbon-fiber body kits to their Lamborghinis, changing the appearance of the vehicle.

Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said 43 people were detained between June 1 and August 15 on suspicion of starting forest fires, while 11 were subsequently remanded in custody, AzerNEWS reports.

The minister noted that 64 major forest fires have been recorded across 22 provinces since the beginning of the summer.

“We will not allow investigations into forest fires suspected of being caused by illegal acts to remain inconclusive,” Gurlek said.

He stressed that both those who deliberately set forests on fire and those who cause fires through negligence or failure to take necessary precautions are being held accountable before the law.

Describing the country’s forests as one of the most valuable assets for future generations, the minister stressed that Trkiye is prepared to take strict measures to protect its natural resources and the country’s “lungs.”