Category: Azer News

As tensions escalate between Iran and the United States, fresh analysis suggests that Washington must consider regional ethnic dynamics before contemplating military intervention, particularly regarding Iran’s Turkic population and neighboring Azerbaijan, according to analysis in The Washington Post, Azernews reports.

The Post argued that U.S. policymakers, including President Donald Trump, should take into account the complex ethnic landscape inside Iran, where Iranian Turks represent a significant community, before ‘destroying’ the Islamic Republic, warning any violent internal upheaval could have broader regional consequences. Azerbaijan, the article noted, was once peripheral to Iranian politics following its independence while still weakened from war with Armenia, but it has since become a rising regional power with a modern NATO-standard army, deep ties to Trkiye, and a close security partnership with Israel. In the event of a violent internal conflict in Iran, some analysts argue that Azerbaijan might feel compelled to intervene to protect ethnic kin, potentially with Turkish support. (Washington Post analysis)

This debate comes amid mounting domestic unrest inside Iran. Nationwide protests triggered by economic hardship and political grievances have continued into early 2026. According to human rights monitoring groups, the death toll has now surpassed 5,100 people, with thousands more injured amid reports of internet shutdowns and clashes between security forces and demonstrators, figures that contrast with lower official counts.

At the same time, U.S.-Iran tensions have intensified on the military front. President Trump has stated that a U.S. naval ‘armada’, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, is moving toward the Gulf region, a deployment he described as precautionary but linked to Washington’s concerns over Iran’s violent crackdown on protesters. Iranian authorities, in turn, have issued strong warnings against external intervention, with Revolutionary Guard commanders declaring they are ‘more ready than ever, finger on the trigger.’

Iran’s leadership has also sought to signal resistance and deterrence: a dramatic mural warning against U.S. military action was unveiled in Tehran’s Enghelab Square; and Yemen’s Iranian-aligned Houthi rebels have threatened renewed attacks on Red Sea shipping as part of the broader regional escalation.

Analysts note that the domestic crisis in Tehran has already inflamed geopolitical fault lines. The possibility of U.S. military intervention – even as diplomatic options remain on the table – is being weighed amid fears that internal unrest could merge with external conflict, drawing in regional actors with vested interests. Some experts caution that intervention risks legitimizing Tehran’s narrative of external threat and could further destabilize not only Iran but the wider Middle East.

The Charter of the Academy of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan has been amended, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

According to the decree, students who have completed bachelor’s or master’s degree programs at the mentioned academy and passed the final state certification will be awarded a badge in addition to a diploma.

The animated film ‘Zootopia 2’ has earned $632 million in China, setting a new record for Hollywood films in the country, Azernews reports.

Previously, the highest-grossing Hollywood movie in China was the superhero blockbuster ‘Avengers: Endgame’ in 2019, which earned around $629 million.

Globally, ‘Zootopia 2’ has surpassed $1.7 billion at the box office, making it the second-highest-grossing animated film in history, trailing only behind ‘Nezha Defeats the Dragon King.’

The film continues the story of Judy Hopps, the determined rabbit police officer, and Nick Wilde, the clever fox. In this sequel, they confront a cunning snake named Gary, who attempts to steal a mysterious book that could restore his reputation. While chasing the thief, Judy and Nick become targets of a police manhunt themselves. In the process of hiding, they uncover that the true villain committed a murder in Zootopia to obtain the same book, setting the stage for a thrilling adventure filled with twists and clever detective work.

Experts note that the film’s record-breaking success in China highlights not only the country’s growing influence on the global box office but also the increasing appetite for high-quality, family-friendly animated stories with clever plots that appeal to both children and adults.

After months away from the international stage, the Azerbaijan national futsal team roared back onto the court, proving their skill and resilience with a statement-making performance, Azernews reports.

In a thrilling friendly match, they overcame Denmark 4-2, showing resilience, skill, and teamwork that could set the tone for the competitions ahead.

Farid Abbasov, a key player for Azerbaijan, described the win as a key to future games:

Speaking after the match, Abbasov expressed gratitude to the fans who supported the team:

“It was a game decided by a two-goal difference. In the first match, our mistakes were decisive, and the opponent took full advantage, resulting in our defeat. Considering that the national team hadn’t played for over eight months, and new players had been brought into the squad, some errors were understandable. The head coach analyzed the game and showed us our mistakes, providing instructions for the second match,” the futsal player said

“We did our best to fight, and the outcome was excellent for us. Scoring a goal and providing an assist were results of fulfilling the tasks assigned to me. The coach always advises that if you believe in yourself and your ability to beat an opponent, you should try and use your individual qualities. During the assist, I saw I could get past the defender and went all the way. This victory is a key for our future matches. The main thing is to believe in ourselves and work hard,” he added.

Relations between Azerbaijan and Israel are steadily improving across multiple sectors, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said today during a joint press conference with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Moshe Saar, Azernews reports.

Minister Bayramov emphasized that the bilateral ties hold strategic significance. “Just a few days ago, the leaders of both countries met in Davos. Regular political consultations are conducted between our Foreign Ministries. The Intergovernmental Commission and the Interparliamentary Friendship Group are also active,” he noted.

The ministers discussed the development of economic relations, contracts and projects, as well as new opportunities and prospects. “An economic forum is taking place in Baku, and the Israeli minister will participate in it,” Bayramov added.

Tourism cooperation was highlighted as well: in 2025, the number of Israeli tourists visiting Azerbaijan doubled compared to 2024. Currently, there are 20 flights operating between the two countries, and the number is expected to increase depending on ongoing discussions.

The ministers also discussed the situation in the Middle East. Bayramov expressed hope for a long-term ceasefire in the Gaza region, emphasizing that both countries support resolving issues through peaceful dialogue and negotiations.

The Azerbaijani minister also briefed his Israeli counterpart on Azerbaijan-Armenia relations, reconstruction efforts in liberated territories, the return of displaced persons, the establishment of new communities, and challenges related to landmines. He shared insights on the outcomes of the historic Washington meeting as well.

On economic cooperation, Bayramov stressed that the energy sector remains a key area of collaboration. Currently, 124 Israeli companies operate in Azerbaijan, implementing various projects. “In 2025, SOCAR acquired a 10% stake in one of Israel’s largest projects in the Mediterranean Sea for the first time. Azerbaijan is now participating as an investor in Israel’s major business ventures,” he highlighted.

In 2025, Azerbaijan exported goods worth $788,800 to Armenia, Azernews reported, citing the State Customs Committee, a sign of growing economic interaction between the neighbouring countries, Azernews reports.

There were no recorded exports from Armenia to Azerbaijan in the same period.

Energy trade has already begun. On December 18, 2025, Azerbaijan delivered 1,220 tons of AI-95 gasoline to Armenia. In early 2026, Armenia again imported fuel from Azerbaijan, receiving 1,742 tons of AI-95 gasoline and 956 tons of diesel on January 9, followed by 979 tons of AI-92 gasoline on January 11.

Azerbaijan’s total foreign trade in 2025 reached $49.423 billion, up 3.8 per cent from 2024. Exports accounted for $25.043 billion, and imports $24.380 billion. Exports overall declined 5.7 per cent, while imports rose 15.8 per cent, resulting in a positive trade balance of $663 million, significantly smaller than the previous year.

Background on Azerbaijan-Armenia rapprochement:

Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have shifted dramatically from decades of conflict to active cooperation and peacebuilding. After nearly four decades of hostilities, including wars over the Karabakh region, both countries agreed on the text of a peace treaty draft in March 2025, a key step toward ending the conflict, though some legal and constitutional issues remain before final signing.

In August 2025, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan initialled a peace agreement and joint declaration in Washington under US auspices, a milestone widely welcomed by international partners. This was reinforced by the ‘Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity’, a planned transit corridor linking Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave via Armenia, aimed at bolstering connectivity and economic ties.

Concrete signs of improving ties include lifting restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia, allowing shipments like Kazakh grain to travel through Azerbaijan to Armenia for the first time since the Soviet era.

These developments have helped create new economic opportunities between Baku and Yerevan, with fuel exports and renewed trade flows reflecting a broader shift from conflict toward cooperation in the South Caucasus.

Work is underway to broaden cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel in the areas of drinking water resource management and the use of alternative water sources, Azernews reports.

Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov made the remarks during the Azerbaijan-Israel business forum held in Baku. He said discussions are also ongoing on improving the efficient use of water in agriculture, alongside related production initiatives.

Jabbarov highlighted the role of the Israel-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, describing it as an effective business platform designed to boost bilateral business ties and investment flows between the two countries.

Turning to regional connectivity, the minister emphasized Azerbaijan’s growing role as a key hub along international transport corridors. He noted that Azerbaijan has significantly strengthened its connectivity, including through the Middle Corridor, thereby enhancing its position in global supply chains.

‘The key element of this agenda is the Zangezur Corridor or road,’ Jabbarov said, describing it as a multimodal connectivity project aimed at ensuring seamless links between mainland Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, further upgrading the Middle Corridor and reinforcing Azerbaijan’s role as a logistics and transit hub connecting European, Central Asian, and Asia-Pacific markets.

In addition to transport connectivity, Jabbarov identified financial framework cooperation as another cornerstone of regional integration. He noted that Azerbaijan has established a number of joint investment funds with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, which are open not only to projects and residents of those countries but also to third parties, including enterprises of Israeli origin operating in Azerbaijan.

At a time of disrupted global economic landscape, uncertain transatlantic relationships and European Union’s opaque mobilization to tackle Moscow’s continued aggression in Ukraine; since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Republic of Albania revived its strategic and security partnership with the Republic of Trkiye.

According to Dr. Nele Marianne Ewers-Peters of Maastricht University (Maastricht, MD, The Netherlands): ‘the continuous changes and transformations of the European security landscape demand new responses to threats and challenges.

Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine gave new impetus not only for the EU and NATO, creating greater unity within both organizations, but also strengthened the purpose of their relationship.’ [1] With this concept in mind, on February 15th, 2005, Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano welcomed to Tirana the then Prime Minister of Trkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to discuss regional security, economic and transportation projects.

On this occasion the two governments signed a bilateral agreement on Maritime Trade and Transportation, a vital international milestone that amplifies the rules of maritime trade as well as developing bilateral commercial opportunities.

In 2005, Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano, together with PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a highly respected statesman of global proportions; have paved the way for a closer bilateral cooperation in the fields of defense, economy, transportation, education and tourism. The bilateral agreement on Maritime Trade and Transportation has enabled Turkish and Albanian enterprises to establish maritime transportation companies, Modular Floating Drydock, development of shipyards and design of essential maritime infrastructures.

In the spirit of close brotherly cooperation and strategic defense alliance, seeking greater geopolitical aspirations; on July 16 – 17, 2019, the 139-meter-long amphibious Turkish vessel TCG Bayraktar (L-402) was anchored in Durrës, Albania’s largest seaport in the Adriatic Sea.

Furthermore, the ship design – development project of 2018, including the LHD, TCG ANADOLU Class of Trkiye’s Navy, while considered ‘as Amphibious Assault Ship or Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD)’, has made a quantum leap in Ankara’s uniquely shaped geopolitical interests and regional power projection, as the EU lacks a robust ground-breaking defense – security framework.

Trkiye’s Erdogan has strategically, deeply expanded and enhanced its naval forces’ presence in the Black Sea, across the mediterranean, including the Strait of Otranto and Albanian territorial waters. The strategic cooperation of Ankara and Tirana has become essential for regional security and the economic wellbeing of both nations.

According to distinguished Turkish Rear Admiral Cem Grdeniz (Ret.) of Koc University Maritime Forum Director: ‘the TCG ANADOLU ship has a displacement of 28,000GT and a length of 232 meters, can carry six F-35B Joint Strike Fighters, which is a STOVL (Short Take off and Vertical Landing) aircraft along with 4 Attack Helicopters, 8 Medium Transport Helicopters, 2 Seahawk General Purpose Helicopters and 2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).’ [2]

In the ongoing geostrategic streams, Trkiye’s armed forces are ripening its close, decades-long alliance with Albania’s defense ministry.

On February 27th, 2020, in Tirana was signed the Defense Cooperation Plan between the Albanian Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Trkiye.

This memorandum was signed by Colonel Sakir Cumhur Somer, Military Attaché of the Republic of Trkiye in Tirana and local government representatives. [3]

This cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening Ankara’s geo-strategic role in Southeast Europe and intelligence collection training for Albania’s new cadre of officers.

Enika Abazi, an Albanian International Relations scholar argues that: ‘Defense reform of the Albanian armed forces requires the transformation of the nation’s military capabilities, including personnel, equipment, and infrastructure, making them capable of meeting contemporary challenges. [4]

In this backdrop the generous Turkish Government on June 3rd, 2015, made a significant donation of twenty-seven (27) armored vehicles to the Armed Forces of Albania.

According to then Minister of Defense Mimi Kodheli: ‘these 27 vehicles are part of the transportation vehicle package, a project that Albania and Trkiye launched together at the end of 2014. We will continue with this modernization project in the coming years. Improving the logistics sector of our Armed Forces thanks to the generosity of the Turkish Armed Forces. The security – defense alliance with Trkiye remains our top priority since I took office in September 2013.’ [5]

In October 2015, Albanian Minister of Defense Mrs. Mimi Kodheli, held a working meeting with Trkiye’s Minister of National Defense Mehmet Vecdi Gönl in Croatia.

This meeting was held on the sidelines of the 2015 Comprehensive Regional Defense Ministerial (CRM) that was held on October 21-23, 2015, in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

In this occasion Kodheli praised Trkiye for providing shelter to hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees, as Ankara demonstrated to the world its unparallelled levels of humanism, generosity and respect for human dignity. [6]

On March 4th, 2015, Ankara’s Defense Attaché in Tirana Colonel Nizamettin Dogar signed the Military cooperation framework with Mr. Igli Hasani, Director General of Strategic Planning at the Albanian Ministry of Defense. This bilateral agreement tackled the main cooperation pillars in regional security, military – military training and Trkiye’s role in the ongoing modernization and training of Albanian armed forces. The establishment of advanced academic programs in military medicine and trauma treatment for Albania’s army was another key item in the mutual agenda.

Trkiye has provided extensive training and advanced education programs to the top brass of Albanian Defense Ministry since 1992. [7]

In this proactive environment, The Government of Trkiye has trained over 2,500 Albanian military officers since 1992. In 2014 alone, eighty-six (86) Albanian officers pursued their advanced military studies at the Turkish National Defence University (TNDU) and in other prestigious defense training institutions in Ankara.

In 2015, the Special Operations Regiment of Albania, stationed in Kabul, under NATO’s Resolute Support Mission, were trained by Trkiye’s Armed Forces and operated in the ground with the logistical support of Turkish Armed Forces operating side by side. [8]

Since 2001 in Afghanistan, Trkiye has participated with over 600 soldiers, being the seventh largest contributing nation with military presence stationed as part of NATO’s RSM headquarters in Kabul. [9]

In the spirit of the strategic regional framework led by Ankara, on January 23rd, 2026, was held in Istanbul the Second Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the Balkans Peace Platform. On the sidelines of this International Forum Trkiye’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan met with Elisa Spiropali, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania; they emphasized the diplomatic and political dialogue that exists between both governments. [10] In this historic meeting Tirana’s chief diplomat assured Minister Hakan Fidan that Turkish presence will be further solidified in Albania’s Pashaliman Naval Base. The Turkish government has provided infinite financial resources to modernize Pashaliman naval base since 1998, a truly natural fortress located in Southern Vlora coast; it formally served in the 1950s as Moscow’s sole Mediterranean submarine base.

According to Cap N DEM Ricardo Javier Sanabria Pereira, Deputy General Prefect of Paraguayan Naval Forces: ‘As military and technology cooperation has become imperative, Tirana must pursue with boldness and continue with intrepidity to develop its strategic and defense partnership with Trkiye on a bilateral format.’ Trkiye has become a globally influential actor in modern warfare and its military presence in Pashaliman Naval Base will continue to provide comfort, increased security and conduct extensive maritime patrol of Albania’s blue water assets.

Given Russia’s saber-rattling and European Union’s diminishing role in regional security and ongoing economic recession, it is vital for Albania and the entire southeast European region to encourage and expand the presence and role of the Turkish Naval Forces Command in Pashaliman Naval Base and across the Mediterranean Sea.

Shahdag Tourism Center has hosted the highly anticipated Heydar Aliyev Cup in snowboarding, bringing together both children and adults to compete for top honors, Azernews reports.

Nearly 40 passionate snowboarders from various age groups registered in advance to test their skills and compete for the championship.

The competition showcased remarkable talent across all categories. In the 6-8 age group, Raul Abbasov (AZE) claimed first place.

Among girls aged 9-12, Rozalia Dubitsova (AZE) took the top spot, while in the boys’ division of the same age group, Daniel Belousov (AZE) won first place, Mehti Metin (AZE) placed second, and Celik Doruk (TUR) earned third place.

The 13-17 age category saw Kamal Bashirli (AZE) emerge victorious in the boys’ division.

In the adult categories (ages 23-45), Nuran Musayeva (AZE) secured first place among women, followed by Ekaterina Basheva (RUS) in second and Valentina Gerasimova (AZE) in third.

The men’s division was won by Iqor Kulakov (RUS), with R?sul Aslanov (AZE) in second and Seymur Gurbanov (AZE) in third.

The 46-56 age group crowned Jeyhun Vazirov (AZE) as the winner, with Ruslan Aghayev taking second place. In the 57+ category, Azad Kalbiyev took the top honor.

At the conclusion of the competition, winners were awarded medals and diplomas presented by Shahdag Tourism Center and the event sponsors. In addition, participants received various prizes as a token of recognition for their achievements.

The primary goal of the event was to promote snowboarding across Azerbaijan, spark wider interest in the sport, and support its development at both amateur and professional levels.

Looking ahead, on February 1, the Heydar Aliyev Cup will continue with skiing competitions for children and adults in various age categories, promising more excitement on the snowy slopes of Shahdag.

Note that Shahdag Tourism Center is Azerbaijan’s leading mountain resort, which operates under the State Tourism Agency.

Located just about 29-32 km from Gusar, the resort takes its name from the majestic Shahdag Mountain, which rises to 4,243 m above sea level as part of the Greater Caucasus range.

The center was established under a presidential order to develop winter and summer tourism in Azerbaijan and officially opened in the early 2010s as the country’s first ski resort of its kind, set within the scenic Shahdag National Park. It now operates year-round, offering a wide range of sports and leisure activities for visitors of all ages and skill levels.

Shahdag is a world-class alpine destination with a high altitude range from 1,435 m to 2,552 m, 37 ski slopes.

This makes it ideal for beginners as well as seasoned ski enthusiasts seeking thrilling downhill experiences amidst breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains.

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers diverse attractions, including zip lines, snow tubing, quad biking, zip-line rides, pedestrian lifts, VR zones, and family-friendly entertainment.

Shahdag’s infrastructure supports comfortable stays with multiple hotels, restaurants serving local and international cuisine, spa services, and modern leisure facilities that help make each season memorable.

The center has also been expanding its offerings with new slopes and services designed to host international competitions, further raising Azerbaijan’s profile in winter sports.

In recent years, Shahdag has seen significant growth in visitor numbers, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, and has even joined the Eurasian Alliance of Mountain Resorts.

Shahdag now regularly holds international winter sports competitions, among them the Azerbaijan Open International Alpine Skiing Tournament, which was held earlier in January 2026.

A seminar addressing the latest regulations implemented by the International Judo Federation (IJF) for male and female national team athletes has taken place, Azernews reports citing the Azerbaijan Judo Federation.

The seminar was conducted under the leadership of Natig Bagirov, Chairman of the Referees Committee of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation (AJF), and Metin Rahimli, the AJF’s referees manager and an A-category international referee.

During the event, updates to the rules were explained to the athletes through practical examples, and the criteria for refereeing decisions in various match situations were discussed in detail.

The seminar aimed to ensure that athletes gain a clearer understanding of the new requirements, prevent potential misunderstandings during competitions, and support the development of more effective tactical approaches.

Founded in 1972, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation actively promotes this martial art worldwide. Since 2015, the Federation has been led by Rovnag Abdullayev.

The country’s modern judo history was laid by Mehman Azizov, who won a silver medal at the Old World Championship in 1998.

A year later, the winner of the World Youth Games in Moscow, Rasul Salimov, grabbed the bronze medal at the European Championship in Slovakia. Another national judoka, Elchin Ismayilov, became the European champion in 2000 in Wroclaw.

However, the achievements of Azerbaijani judo fighters did not stop there. Elnur Mammadli was named the best at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 73 kg division.

The list of the country’s top judo fighters includes Rustam Orujov, Irina Kindzerskaya, Mammadali Mehdiyev, Elmar Gasimov, Hidayat Heydarov, Zelim Kotsoev, Ushangi Kokauri, and Nijat Shikhalizada.