Category: Azer News

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has appointed a new chairman of the Board of the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads, Azernews reports.

The decision was formalized by a decree signed by the president, appointing Vusal Nasirli as chairman of the agency’s Board.

In a separate decree, President Aliyev dismissed Saleh Mammadov from his position as Board chairman.

Prior to his appointment, Nasirli served as deputy minister of labor and social protection of the population.

Equity markets across the Asia-Pacific region opened sharply lower on Friday, extending a global risk-off move triggered by a tech-led selloff on Wall Street and fresh signs of cooling momentum in the U.S. labor market, Azernews reports.

In early trading, South Korea’s KOSPI was among the hardest hit, plunging by more than two percent as investor sentiment deteriorated across the region. The broader downturn followed a significant decline in U.S. equities overnight, where losses in major technology stocks spilled over into global markets and pressured risk-sensitive assets.

Market specialists said sectors that had driven much of the rally in recent months – notably technology, artificial intelligence, precious metals, and cryptocurrencies – were now facing broad-based corrections. This shift has made the week particularly difficult for investors with heavy exposure to high-growth and alternative assets, as gold, industrial metals, and digital currencies also retreated.

Sentiment was further weakened by new U.S. labor data, which showed monthly job openings falling to their lowest level since 2020. At the same time, jobless claims increased and corporate job-cut announcements reached their highest level for January since the global financial crisis, raising concerns about the resilience of the U.S. economy.

By mid-session, South Korea’s KOSPI had fallen to 5,057.77. Australia’s ASX 200 slid to 8,737.00, while Japan’s NIKKEI edged higher to 53,968.45, bucking the regional trend. In China, Shanghai’s SSEC declined to 4,057.81 and Shenzhen’s SZI dropped to 13,850.80. Hong Kong’s HSI also came under pressure, falling to 26,434.26.

U.S. markets closed lower on Thursday, reinforcing the cautious mood. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped to 48,908.72, while the NASDAQ and S and P 500 also posted notable declines. Market volatility spiked sharply, with the VIX jumping to its highest level in weeks, reflecting growing investor anxiety.

In commodities, oil prices settled lower after news that the United States and Iran were planning to begin talks in Oman, easing fears of potential disruptions to Iranian oil exports. Brent crude closed at $67.55 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate finished at $63.29. Prices were largely unchanged in early trading on Friday.

Gold futures also came under pressure, falling to $4,813.60 per troy ounce, as investors reduced exposure to safe-haven assets amid broader deleveraging across markets.

Overall, analysts say markets are entering a more fragile phase, with investors increasingly sensitive to U.S. economic data, monetary policy expectations, and geopolitical developments that could shape global risk appetite in the weeks ahead.

Iran appears to have rapidly repaired several ballistic missile facilities damaged in strikes last year, but it has made only limited fixes to major nuclear sites struck by Israel and the United States, a New York Times analysis of satellite imagery suggests, Azernews reports.

The uneven pace of reconstruction offers clues about Iran’s military priorities as the United States amasses forces near it and President Trump weighs new military action. If the United States were to attack, Iran would most likely retaliate with ballistic missiles targeting Israel and U.S. assets in the region.

The United States and Iran were expected to meet in Oman on Friday in an attempt to stave off another conflict. The scope of the talks were not immediately clear, but Iran’s nuclear program was likely to be a key focus.

Experts who closely track Iranian nuclear and missile programs corroborated the analysis by The Times, which looked at around two dozen locations struck by Israel or the United States during the 12-day conflict last June. The Times found construction work at more than half of them.

The experts cautioned that the full extent of the repairs remains unclear, given that satellite imagery offers only an aboveground view of the construction.

Key vehicle models from Hyundai Motor and Kia have received a series of prestigious awards from leading U.S. automotive publications, further boosting the brands’ competitiveness in the American market, the automakers announced on Friday, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

At Car and Driver magazine’s 2026 Editors’ Choice Awards, a total of 17 Hyundai and Kia models were recognized as best-in-class vehicles, according to a press release from the companies.

Hyundai’s Palisade SUV was named best in its segment for the seventh consecutive year, praised for its stylish design, spacious interior, and wide range of convenience features. The Palisade also earned the title of Best Large Utility Vehicle at MotorWeek’s 2026 Drivers’ Choice Awards, while Kia’s K4 sedan was recognized as Best Family Car by the same publication.

At Cars.com’s 2026 Best of Awards, Hyundai’s Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid were named Best Family Car, and Kia’s all-electric EV9 was selected as Best Electric Vehicle, highlighting the brands’ growing presence in the EV segment.

A Hyundai Motor Group representative said the awards reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and quality, and emphasized that Hyundai and Kia will continue to strengthen their competitiveness in the U.S. and other major global markets.

Industry analysts note that these accolades not only enhance brand image but also demonstrate the companies’ successful push into electric and hybrid vehicles, a key factor in the rapidly evolving automotive market.

A meeting of the ‘Green Energy Space’ Working Group was held in a hybrid format to discuss the draft annual report on the 2025 implementation of the ‘Socio-Economic Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026’, Azernews reports, citing the Energy Ministry.

Chairing the meeting, Deputy Minister of Energy Samir Valiyev emphasized that the ‘Green Energy Space’ objective holds a key place within the national development strategy and represents one of the main pillars of Azerbaijan’s future development model. He noted that the measures envisaged under this pillar aim to facilitate the country’s transition to a sustainable, environmentally friendly and innovative energy system, while also contributing to global climate goals.

Valiyev highlighted the implementation status of 18 measures planned for the previous year, stating that the overall execution of the Strategy continues to demonstrate positive momentum.

Deputy Chair of the Working Group Ramil Huseyn, Deputy Executive Director of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC), delivered a presentation on the measures planned for 2025 and their implementation progress. Participants exchanged views on the draft report and submitted comments and recommendations.

The ‘Green Energy Space’ Working Group includes representatives from the Ministry of Energy, CAERC, and the Ministries of Economy, Ecology and Natural Resources, Agriculture, Digital Development and Transport, Finance, and Emergency Situations, as well as the State Statistics Committee, State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, State Customs Committee, SOCAR, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan Investment Holding, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, the State Water Resources Agency, and major state energy companies including Azerenerji, Azerishiq, and Azeristiliktechizat.

The Mexico-Azerbaijan Friendship Group recently hosted Seymur Fataliyev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Mexico, at the House of Deputies to review preparations for the official installation of the group on February 10, Azernews reports.

The meeting focused on enhancing dialogue between legislators, exploring opportunities for collaboration in trade, technology, education, and tourism, and reinforcing mutual understanding. It highlighted the important role of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting cooperation, allowing lawmakers to exchange ideas, share best practices, and support long-term partnerships.

The Friendship Group aims to foster initiatives that encourage cultural exchange, economic development, and sustainable collaboration, strengthening ties between Mexico and Azerbaijan at both governmental and societal levels.

SOCAR AQS (Absheron Drilling Company) is participating in tenders for the implementation of drilling projects in Iraq as part of its strategy to expand its international operations.

Azernews reports that the information was shared by Elvin Nasibov, country manager of SOCAR AQS for Trkiye, during the IADC Drilling Caspian and Black Sea 2026 conference and exhibition held in Baku.

According to Nasibov, SOCAR AQS is actively involved in several regional tenders, with Iraq standing out as a key market. He stated that the company is currently participating in a tender together with Crescent Petroleum, one of the region’s private operators, for the drilling of an exploration well in Iraq. The project scope includes a ‘1+4’ well program, with the first well designated for exploration. If the results meet the operator’s expectations, four additional wells will be drilled.

In parallel, SOCAR AQS is also taking part in another tender in cooperation with the Basra Oil Company (BOC). This project involves drilling operations using rigs with a capacity of 2,000 horsepower and will be implemented through direct rig operations.

Nasibov emphasized that ongoing projects in Trkiye and Iraq highlight SOCAR AQS’s growing international footprint and operational expertise. He noted that these activities reaffirm the company’s commitment to delivering safe and high-quality drilling services both within the region and globally.

The open court hearing continued on February 5 regarding the criminal cases of Armenian citizens Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, who are accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the planning and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, the forcible seizure and retention of power, and numerous other crimes committed as a result of Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan.

In the court proceedings, which began on January 17 of last year and have continued for over a year, the final court decision (verdict) regarding the accused individuals was announced. During the court session held at the Baku Military Court, presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev and composed of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (with reserve judge Gunel Samadova), each of the accused was provided with an interpreter in a language they understood, as well as lawyers for their defense. The session was attended by the accused, their defense counsel, a portion of the victims, their legal heirs and representatives, prosecutors representing the state prosecution, and Rufat Mammadov, the Head of the Apparatus of the Cabinet of Ministers, appearing as a victim on behalf of the Azerbaijani state.

The court decision announced that, taking into account the proposal of the state prosecutors, no punishment was assigned to Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, David Babayan, and David Manukyan regarding actions creating a threat to aviation safety for which they were found guilty, due to the expiration of the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution. It was noted that although the accused Arkadi Gukasyan and Bako Sahakyan were charged with crimes carrying a life sentence and those charges were proven during the judicial investigation, they cannot be sentenced to life imprisonment according to the requirements of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan because they had reached the age of 65 by the time the verdict was issued.

The charges filed against the accused Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, David Manukyan, Madat Babayan, Melikset Pashayan, Garik Martirosyan, Davit Allahverdyan, Vasili Beglaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, Levon Balayan, and Erik Gazaryan under Article 228.3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan were reclassified to Article 228.2.1 of the same Code. Furthermore, Articles 218.1, 218.2, 279.1, and 279.2 of the Criminal Code were removed from the charges pertaining to Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and David Manukyan. Additionally, Articles 279.1 and 279.2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan were removed from the charges brought against Arayik Harutyunyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Madat Babayan, Melikset Pashayan, Garik Martirosyan, Davit Allahverdyan, Vasili Beglaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, Levon Balayan, and Erik Gazaryan.

Subsequently, the presiding judge announced that Harutyunyan Arayik Vladimiri (Vladimirovich) was found guilty of planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, attacking persons and organizations enjoying international protection, genocide, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military robbery, intentional murder, illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, actions posing a threat to aviation safety, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to life imprisonment to be served in prison.

Mnatsakanyan Levon Henrikhi was found guilty of planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, attacking persons and organizations enjoying international protection, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military robbery, intentional murder, illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, actions posing a threat to aviation safety, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to life imprisonment to be served in prison.

Manukyan David Azati was found guilty of planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, attacking persons and organizations enjoying international protection, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military robbery, intentional murder, illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, actions posing a threat to aviation safety, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to life imprisonment to be served in prison.

Ishkhanyan Davit Rubeni was found guilty of planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, attacking persons and organizations enjoying international protection, genocide, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military robbery, intentional murder, illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, actions posing a threat to aviation safety, assassination attempts on the life of a state or public figure, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to life imprisonment to be served in prison.

Babayan David Klimi was found guilty of planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military robbery, intentional murder, illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, actions posing a threat to aviation safety, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to life imprisonment to be served in prison.

Arkadi Arshaviri (Arshavirovich) Gukasyan (Ghukasyan) was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, attacking persons and organizations enjoying international protection, genocide, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military robbery, intentional murder, illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, actions posing a threat to aviation safety, assassination attempts on the life of a state or public figure, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Bako Sahaki Sahakyan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, attacking persons and organizations enjoying international protection, genocide, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military robbery, intentional murder, illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, actions posing a threat to aviation safety, assassination attempts on the life of a state or public figure, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Madat Arakeli Babayan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, attacking persons and organizations enjoying international protection, genocide, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, intentional murder, terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, assassination attempts on the life of a state or public figure, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 19 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, intentional murder, terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 19 years of imprisonment, with the first 8 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Garik Grigori Martirosyan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, extermination of the population, slavery, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, intentional murder, terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment, with the first 8 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, extermination of the population, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, intentional murder, terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 16 years of imprisonment, with the first 6 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Levon Romiki Balayan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, extermination of the population, forced displacement of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance of people, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, intentional murder, terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 16 years of imprisonment, with the first 5 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Vasili Ivani Beglaryan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, forced displacement of the population, persecution, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, military robbery, intentional murder, terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment, with the first 5 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Gurgen Homerosi Stepanyan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, extermination of the population, forced displacement of the population, persecution, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, intentional murder, terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment, with the first 5 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Erik Roberti Gazaryan was found guilty of the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, starting, and conducting aggressive war, forced displacement of the population, persecution, violation of the laws and customs of war, violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, intentional murder, terrorism, creation of a criminal association (organization), illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives, and devices, the forcible seizure and retention of power, the forcible change of the state’s constitutional order, and the creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law, and was definitively sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment, with the first 5 years to be served in a prison and the remaining portion in a high-security penal institution.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state – including the aforementioned criminal association – on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals – Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan – are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.

US Vice President J.D. Vance has sharply criticized Iran’s system of governance, arguing that real decision-making power in the country rests not with its elected president but exclusively with the supreme leader, a structure he said severely complicates diplomacy, Azernews reports.

‘The person who makes decisions in Iran is the supreme leader. The president is not really important. The foreign minister also talks to the supreme leader, and we mainly communicate with him,’ Vance said, according to US media.

He stressed that this political model places negotiations in what he described as an ‘absurd situation,’ noting the absence of a clear, transparent decision-making mechanism on the Iranian side. According to Vance, this makes meaningful diplomatic engagement far more difficult than with other rival powers.

Drawing a comparison, Vance said US President Donald Trump is able to establish direct contact even with leaders of countries considered adversaries by Washington. ‘Trump can pick up the phone and call Putin or Xi. It is even possible to speak directly with the leaders of countries with which we have hostile relations. But it is strange that we cannot speak to the president of Iran,’ he said.

Vance added that President Trump intends to keep all options on the table in dealing with Tehran. He emphasized that the US administration will pursue non-military avenues wherever possible, engaging in dialogue with all relevant actors.

However, he warned that if diplomatic efforts fail and Trump concludes that military force is the only viable option, ‘then he will ultimately choose that option.’

Leyla Aliyeva met with Afghan women’s rights activist and researcher Zarqa Yaftali today, in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

During the meeting, Leyla Aliyeva noted that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been implementing numerous significant projects covering education, healthcare, and social support for many years, contributing to the creation of equal opportunities for vulnerable segments of the population both in the region and internationally.

The discussions revolved around the opportunities for cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation**, adding that** the activities of the Foundation headed by Zarqa Yaftali have ensured access for over 100,000 women and children to education and legal protection.

The meeting underscored the shared goals of implementing global humanitarian initiatives and addressed the importance of protecting women’s rights and ensuring sustainable education.