Category: Azer News

A British couple, Lindsay and Craig Forman, 52, have been sentenced to 10 years in prison in Iran on charges of espionage, according to reports from the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

The couple was detained in January 2025 while on a motorcycle trip around the world. Iranian authorities allege that they were collecting information for foreign intelligence agencies, claims the Formans’ family strongly denies, insisting that they are innocent tourists.

Relatives said the trial lasted only three hours, and the couple was not given a full opportunity to defend themselves. The sentence was handed down by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

The British Foreign Secretary condemned the decision, describing it as ‘completely appalling and unjustified,’ and stated that the UK would continue negotiations with Iranian authorities to secure the Formans’ safe return.

US President Donald Trump prepares to host the first formal meeting of his newly created ‘Board of Peace’ in Washington, since its first establishment, back in January, in Davos. The body is expected to unveil the outlines of a Gaza reconstruction plan alongside details of a UN-authorised international stabilisation force. Originally framed as a mechanism to help design post-war governance in Gaza, the Board’s charter goes further, calling for a ‘more nimble and effective international peace-building body.’

That language has fueled speculation that Washington may be testing alternatives to the United Nations, long criticized by Trump as inefficient and politicized.

According to officials briefed on the initiative, the Board of Peace is envisioned as a small, US-led grouping of ‘willing and capable’ states rather than a universal forum. While its full membership has not been formally published, it is understood to include the United States as chair, several close Western allies, and a number of key regional partners from the Middle East. Early discussions reportedly center on pooling reconstruction funds, with the US expected to provide political leadership and seed financing, while Gulf partners would shoulder a significant share of the financial burden. Estimates circulating in diplomatic circles suggest that initial pledges could run into the tens of billions of dollars over several years, reflecting the scale of destruction in Gaza, though no binding commitments have yet been announced.

AzerNEWS asked whether such an ambitious reconstruction plan can work without a clearly defined Palestinian political authority on the ground, what obstacles stand in the way, and whether the initiative is really meant to sideline the UN. The discussion also turned to whether Azerbaijan could play a practical role based on its post-conflict experience.

Former US State Department official Paul Goble was blunt about the political limits of any externally designed plan. ‘The Palestinians and in support of them many countries around the world will not agree to a plan however well designed for a resolution on Gaza that does not take steps toward the creation of a Palestinian state,’ he said. In his view, fears that a Trump-backed framework might tilt too far toward Israel without addressing Palestinian statehood represent the single biggest obstacle to implementation.

On the idea that the Board of Peace could replace or marginalize the UN, Goble was skeptical. ‘President Trump clearly hopes for that and can starve the UN in budgetary terms,’ he noted, ‘but there is little chance that any of the other permanent members of the UN Security Council will agree, let alone the member states given the chaos the demise of the UN would lead to.’

Moscow-based geopolitical analyst Andrew Korybko focused more on the sequencing of security and governance. He argued that ‘the lack of legitimate political control over Gaza at present could obstruct Trump’s envisaged reconstruction plans,’ but suggested that Washington appears to expect the Palestinian Authority to eventually take over from Hamas, ‘secured as they’d be by the international stabilization force (ISF) that the US is assembling for deployment there.’ While clashes remain possible, he assessed that Hamas’ capabilities have been significantly degraded, making large-scale renewed conflict less likely if Israel, the PA, and the ISF act in concert.

Korybko also downplayed fears that the new body could supplant the UN. ‘The Peace Board’s charter makes it clear that the chairman, Trump, wields full control, so there’s no realistic way that it’ll replace the UN,’ he said. Instead, he described it as ‘a coalition of the willing of sorts,’ potentially more efficient than the UN General Assembly, which he criticized as unwieldy and prone to grandstanding. Given Trump’s personal control and business-style approach, ‘discussions might be more fruitful,’ he added.

The question of Azerbaijan’s possible role adds another layer to the debate. Goble acknowledged that ‘Azerbaijan certainly has the experience and expertise’ to contribute, particularly in de-mining, infrastructure rebuilding, and civilian resettlement after conflict. ‘Whether it will want to will depend on Baku’s assessment of what any such accord will mean to Azerbaijan and its relations both with Israel and with the Muslim world,’ he cautioned.

Korybko echoed that assessment from a technical angle, saying that Azerbaijan’s experience ‘can help Gaza with demining and overall rehabilitation,’ but stressed that any such contribution would need to be carefully coordinated with other partners ‘in order to be maximally effective.’

Taken together, the experts’ views suggest that Trump’s Board of Peace is less a replacement for the UN than an attempt to bypass its slow machinery with a smaller, more controllable coalition. Whether that model can succeed in Gaza, however, hinges on unresolved political fundamentals: Palestinian legitimacy, security on the ground, and regional buy-in. Without those, even vast sums of pledged reconstruction money and streamlined governance structures may struggle to turn plans on paper into stability on the ground.

The World Chovgan Championship in Baku, Azerbaijan, has been moved to June 7-14, AzerNEWS reports.

The event will be staged at the Bina Equestrian Center. Ten teams are set to battle for the title, with an additional side entering the tournament through a special invitation from the International Chovgan Federation.

Recall that the country earlier hosted the inaugural Chovgan competition in 2024.

Azerbaijan has a rich equestrian heritage, with chovgan, the country’s traditional sport, being played by horsemen for centuries.

Chovgan is a traditional horse-riding game played between two teams mounted on the Karabakh horses.

Chovgan, the precursor to modern polo, was traditionally played during holiday celebrations.

Each team consists of five riders-two fullbacks and three forwards. The match begins at the center of the field, with players using wooden mallets to attempt to score by hitting a small leather or wooden ball into the opposing team’s goal. The game lasts for 30 minutes. There are no age restrictions in this sport.

Chovgan players traditionally wear large astrakhan hats, long, tight-fitting coats with a high waist, and special trousers, socks and shoes.

In 2013, UNESCO decided to include the game of “chovgan” on its Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

There are many historical facts which prove that this sport game has ancient origins.

As a result of archaeological excavations conducted in the Oren-Kala area, a vessel with images of fragments of the game Chovgan was found, which indirectly confirms the existence of this game in the 11th century in the city of Beylagan (in the south of Azerbaijan).

Moreover, the chovgan game is mentioned in Nizami’s poem “Khosrov and Shirin”, as well as in the epic “Kitabi Dede Gorgud” (the Book of Dede Gorgud).

The 11th-century miniatures to the “Khosrov and Shirin” poem and Tabriz miniatures illustrate different scenes of this game. Detailed descriptions of the rules of the game are also found in ancient manuscripts.

Chovgan tournaments continue to be held in Azerbaijan, with the sport remaining popular in the country’s regions.

Polish President Karol Nawrotski has said he is a strong supporter of Poland joining a nuclear project, citing the country’s security environment and regional threats, AzerNEWS reports.

Speaking to Polsat News, Nawrotski said Poland should begin work in this direction ‘in accordance with international norms,’ stressing that the issue is directly linked to national security.

‘We are a state located on the direct border of an armed conflict. The attitude of the aggressive, imperialist Russian Federation towards Poland is well known,’ Nawrotski said.

Asked about how Moscow might respond to the emergence of a Polish nuclear program, the president noted that Russia’s reaction could be unpredictable. ‘Russia could react aggressively at any time,’ he stated.

The comments come amid an ongoing debate in Poland over nuclear deterrence and defense cooperation with allies. In spring 2025, former Polish president Andrzej Duda publicly called on the United States to deploy nuclear warheads in Poland as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression.

In addition, Poland last year signed a defense agreement with France which, according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, would allow France to extend its nuclear missile defense umbrella over Poland.

Security concerns intensified further on September 10, 2025, when 19 Russian drones entered Polish airspace during a nighttime attack on targets in Ukraine. Poland’s Operational Command of the Armed Forces described the incident as ‘an act of aggression that poses a real threat to the safety of citizens.’

Following the incident, Poland formally requested additional air defense systems and counter-drone technologies from NATO, underlining Warsaw’s push to strengthen its deterrence and defense capabilities in the face of rising regional tensions.

Azerbaijan exported 11.915 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Trkiye in 2025, marking a 3.8% increase compared to 2024, according to a report by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK), AzerNEWS reports.

Of the total volume supplied during the reporting year, 11.525 billion cubic meters were delivered under long-term agreements, while 390.5 million cubic meters were traded on the spot market.

In December 2025 alone, gas exports from Azerbaijan to Trkiye reached 1.081 billion cubic meters, up 4.17% compared to the same month in 2024. As a result, Azerbaijan ranked as the third-largest natural gas supplier to Trkiye in December.

Gas exported to Trkiye is produced from the Shah Deniz gas field. Supplies are transported to the Turkish market via the South Caucasus Pipeline (Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum) and the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP).

In geopolitics, when corporate interests align with genuine partnership, the outcome is often durable and mutually beneficial. The relationship between Azerbaijan and Serbia is a strong example of this dynamic, where strategic cooperation is producing long-lasting results for both sides.

Serbia and Azerbaijan have formalised a landmark energy cooperation agreement by signing an agreement to construct a gas-fired power plant near Niš. Developed jointly by Serbia’s state-owned Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS), Srbijagas, and Azerbaijan’s SOCAR, the plant will have a capacity of 350 MW of electricity and 150 MW of thermal energy. This new facility will provide baseload power to meet rising domestic consumption and support Serbia’s expanding industrial and digital infrastructure.

This project reflects a strategic shift for both countries, positioning Azerbaijan as a supplier of fossil fuels as well as an alternative energy provider for Europe. As President Ilham Aliyev stated:

‘Now Serbia will also convert the gas to be exported into electricity, thereby acquiring clean electricity. This will create opportunities for both the Serbian market and for future exports. Today, Azerbaijan’s export potential in the energy sector is 2 gigawatts. This figure will only increase because we are now engaged in the construction of many renewable energy plants and are ready to cooperate with Serbia in this area.’

The initiative aligns with Azerbaijan’s broader energy strategy, which aims to add an additional 8 gigawatts of capacity by 2032, a significant portion of which is earmarked for export to Europe.

President Aleksandar Vucic highlighted the importance of infrastructure readiness and long-term planning, highlighting the expansion of sources as a tremendous opportunity in a turbulent economic era.

‘The era of electricity is beginning, and we need many sources of electricity. We need to produce more electricity. Azerbaijan will have electricity measuring gigawatts.”

As President Vucic mentioned, the construction will take more than two years. He expressed confidence that the two countries together will open a gas-fired power plant by 2029. The plant will have a 50/50 ownership model between Serbia and Azerbaijan, a structure that balances investment risks and returns.

In a comment to AzerNEWS, energy expert Ilham Shabanov first underscored the lower risks for Azerbaijan, as it owns half the company’s shares.

‘If we consider that in Turkiye we bought the thermal power plant of the GAMA Holding on December 23, we bought 100 per cent of the 870 MW plant, but in Serbia the risks will be shared 50 per cent.’

This arrangement ensures that both countries share operational and financial responsibilities, while giving Azerbaijan a role in controlling standards and efficiency, potentially leveraging SOCAR’s experience in modern power generation.

The expert also spoke about the effectiveness of the project, based on international experiences and precedents. Shabanov emphasised that the project represents standard gas-fired electricity generation rather than a ‘transition’ from gas to electricity:

‘Countries are different. There is no such concept as the successful application of this.It depends on how you operate it, provide services, and maintain it according to regulations. For example, in Azerbaijan, modernisation efforts have reduced conventional fuel consumption from over 400 grams per kWh to 220 grams at the 8 November thermal power plant in 2025. Meanwhile, in countries like Italy, technical losses and efficiency vary widely, showing that proper operation is as important as technology itself.’

The lesson is clear: the plant’s efficiency will depend on modern equipment, strict operational standards, proper maintenance, and effective fuel management.

Shabanov touched on the main point and emphasised that the gas-fired plant has the potential to diversify Serbia’s energy supply, which has historically relied on Russian imports. He noted, however, that due to its 500 MW capacity, it is unlikely the plant will immediately export electricity outside Serbia. Nonetheless, it strengthens domestic energy security and could serve as a stepping stone for larger regional cooperation.

President Aliyev’s comments frame the project within a broader European energy strategy:

‘To achieve this [exporting additional capacity], we need new and larger transmission capacities because our main export destination is Europe.’

By coupling gas exports with electricity generation, Azerbaijan can expand its role in Europe’s energy market while promoting cleaner electricity, supporting both energy security and environmental goals. But of course, there are some main challenges, which are mainly related to the infrastructure and technology of this project. Actually, President Vucic also pointed out the necessity of strategic planning, site selection, and complementary infrastructure.

‘Three sites have been selected around the city of Niš.The European Union also recognizes this. In short, the construction is expected to take place in Tripale, Krusti, or Niška Banja. However, I think Krusti is the most suitable place. Small modular reactors will be installed. There will be data centers and other issues will be resolved.The pace of the work should be accelerated, and we are grateful to our Azerbaijani friends for their support.’

Key challenges include transmission and grid capacity, as effective integration of the plant will require expansion of infrastructure, particularly if Azerbaijan’s long-term European export goals are to be met. Operational efficiency is another concern; as Shabanov noted, optimal performance depends on careful maintenance and adherence to international standards.

According to the expert, timeline sensitivity is also critical: if the Commercial Agreement is signed in 2026, the plant is likely to begin operations by 2029, leaving the region potentially exposed to energy volatility in the meantime.

Finally, environmental considerations remain important. While gas is cleaner than coal, it is still a fossil fuel, and compliance with EU environmental standards will be essential if Serbia aims to export electricity.

The power plant represents a practical, phased approach to energy modernisation. For Serbia, it provides stable electricity to support economic growth, industrial expansion, and digital infrastructure development. For Azerbaijan, it is both a commercial and strategic foothold in Europe, complementing its growing energy portfolio.

Energy expert Shabanov concluded that this model demonstrates the importance of risk-sharing, operational rigour, and strategic foresight:

‘In a country in Europe that has been dependent on Russian energy carriers for many years, it can be seen as Azerbaijan’s contribution to diversifying its energy imports and ensuring its own stable energy supply.’

As a reliable partner and a country promising stability, Azerbaijan’s energy potential is expanding beyond its borders. The partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia is emblematic of the evolving energy landscape – one that integrates traditional fuels, regional cooperation, and long-term infrastructure planning to strengthen both national and European energy security.

The ‘Balak?n’ vessel-ferry operated by Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO), part of AZCON Holding, has successfully completed scheduled repairs and returned to service.

As reported by AzerNEWS, citing ASCO, the overhaul was carried out at the Zig Ship Repair and Construction Yard.

The repair works included hull welding, pipeline installation, and electrical upgrades. The vessel’s steam boiler and watertight doors were renewed, while both the mechanical and electrical components of the deck cranes were serviced. Crew living quarters and service rooms were also refurbished.

In addition, the above-water section of the ferry and the rail wagon deck were thoroughly cleaned and coated with a double layer of paint to enhance durability and protection.

Following the completion of repairs, the ‘Balak?n’ ferry embarked on its first voyage to Kazakhstan’s Kurik Port.

The vessel is 154.8 meters long and 17.5 meters wide, with a maximum speed of 12.5 knots and a deadweight capacity of 5,400 tons.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, AzerNEWS reports.

“Dear Mr. President,

It is on the occasion of the upcoming Spring Festival, that on my behalf and behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I have the pleasure of sincerely congratulating you, and through you, the friendly people of China.

This ancient holiday, a symbol of peace and harmony and a representation of renewal, hope, and gratefulness to nature, in its essence celebrates mutual understanding, friendship, and unity. I wish that the Chunjie, marking the arrival of the New Year according to the Chinese calendar, brings your people a joyful spirit, prosperity, and abundance.

We are gratified by the continued deepening and enrichment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China, built on a solid foundation. Undoubtedly, the intensity of our political dialogue and mutual understanding creates favorable conditions for the further rapid development and strengthening of these relations.

I am confident that the traditional friendly relations between Azerbaijan and China, as well as our fruitful cooperation, will continue to expand through our joint efforts in line with the interests of our peoples, while our strategic partnership is further strengthened.

On the occasion of this holiday, I would like to once again extend to you my warmest congratulations, wishing you robust health, happiness, and success in important state duties, and everlasting peace and prosperity to the friendly people of China,” the letter reads.

S and P has downgraded the sectoral risk component rating for Azerbaijan’s banking sector within the framework of the Banking Sector Country Risk Assessment (BICRA), reducing it from level 8 to level 7, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, this reflects a decrease in the country’s banking sector risk. The change is due to the Central Bank’s initiatives to modernize the regulation and supervision of the banking sector over the past three years.

The economic risk component was maintained at level 8, and the forecast was revised from “stable” to “positive”.

S and P emphasized that in the past period, the Central Bank updated corporate governance standards within the framework of the “Financial Sector Development Strategy for 2024-2026”, brought liquidity risk management rules and the bank capital structure into line with Basel III requirements, and improved other regulations.

The agency predicts that in 2026, the quality of banks’ assets will remain stable and the loan portfolio growth rate will be in the range of 10-12 percent. S and P emphasized that Azerbaijani banks have the lowest level of loan dollarization among the countries of the region.

Recent data from the United States has shown that inflation increased at a slower pace than anticipated in January. Consumer prices rose by 0.2 percent month-on-month, slightly below analysts’ expectations of 0.3 percent, while the annual increase reached 2.4 percent, marginally under the forecast of 2.5 percent. The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics reported that the rise in service costs drove much of the inflation, including airline tickets, healthcare, entertainment, personal care, and communication services, while prices for used vehicles, household furnishings, and car insurance declined.

These figures indicate that inflationary pressures in the United States are easing after periods of heightened volatility. The moderation in core inflation, which excludes food and energy costs, signals that underlying price growth is stabilising. This trend has significant implications for global economic stability, as the United States plays a central role in international trade and finance.

For financial markets, the data provides reassurance regarding the trajectory of U.S. monetary policy. A slower pace of inflation reduces the likelihood of sharp increases in interest rates by the Federal Reserve. Lower rate pressures encourage continued investment in equities and bonds, creating a favourable environment for both domestic and international investors. Stock markets in the United States responded positively to the news, with technology and service sectors showing particular strength due to their sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations.

Global financial markets also benefited from the U.S. inflation report. Investors often view the United States as an economic benchmark, and slower inflation supports stability in currency and asset valuations worldwide. Equity markets in Europe, Asia, and Latin America reacted with cautious optimism, reflecting confidence that financial conditions will remain manageable. Dollar stability has reduced exchange rate volatility, allowing multinational companies to plan investment and trade strategies with greater predictability. Sovereign and corporate bonds outside the United States saw price appreciation as demand increased for lower-risk fixed-income securities.

Benefits for Azerbaijan’s economy

This slowdown in U.S. inflation also has positive implications for Azerbaijan’s economy. Dollar stability and the avoidance of abrupt interest rate hikes create a predictable environment for Azerbaijani exporters and investors. Energy and raw material sectors benefit from steady global demand, while foreign investment inflows become more attractive, boosting liquidity in the financial markets. Overall, the trend supports macroeconomic stability, facilitates strategic project planning, and strengthens confidence in long-term economic growth, making Azerbaijan better positioned to benefit from global trade and financial flows.

The effects of U.S. inflation moderation extend beyond financial markets into broader economic activity. Lower inflation strengthens consumer purchasing power, encouraging spending and consumption. This behaviour drives demand for goods and services both domestically and internationally. Countries that export goods to the United States are likely to see more consistent demand, supporting their economic growth. Energy and commodity markets experience a stabilising effect, as reduced inflationary pressure in the United States limits the upward volatility of oil, gas, and metals prices.

While the overall impact is positive, some sectors face adjustments. Export-dependent industries in countries with weaker currencies may experience increased costs when converting revenues into local currency. Additionally, resource-exporting economies may encounter slower revenue growth if global commodity prices remain subdued. These effects are localised and often short-term, as the broader trend of stable U.S. inflation benefits global trade flows and financial planning.

The current inflationary trend reflects changes in specific market dynamics. Service industries in the United States, such as travel and healthcare, have seen price increases due to heightened demand and supply constraints. Meanwhile, declines in used car and furniture prices demonstrate that certain sectors are adjusting to previous periods of high cost growth. This balance suggests a gradual normalisation of price pressures across the economy.

Financial institutions and investors are closely monitoring these developments. Slower inflation allows central banks to maintain monetary support for growth, reducing the risk of economic contraction. Equity valuations in sectors sensitive to interest rates, including technology, housing, and healthcare, remain buoyant. Bond markets benefit from both domestic stability and international confidence in U.S. financial management. Market participants view the moderation as a signal that the global economic environment can maintain stability even amid regional challenges and geopolitical uncertainty.

The slowdown in U.S. inflation has far-reaching implications for global economic health and financial markets. It enhances confidence in consumer spending, provides stability for investors, and supports predictable trade and investment flows across countries. While some sectors and countries may adjust to specific impacts, the overall effect promotes a stable and resilient global financial system. The United States continues to serve as an anchor for economic expectations, and the moderation in inflation reinforces its role in maintaining international financial stability.