On March 8, 2025, Forbes published an article titled “New Israeli-Azeri Energy Deal Signals Political Shift,” authored by energy and geoeconomics expert Wesley Alexander Hill. In his publication, he examines the recent agreement between the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and Israel, analyzing its geopolitical significance.
According to the article, on March 17, an official SOCAR delegation, led by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, will arrive in Israel to formally sign a deal acquiring a 10% stake in the Tamar gas field. Additionally, two new energy projects in Israeli waters near the Lebanese border will be announced, with details yet to be disclosed. According to exclusive Forbes sources, BP, a longstanding partner of SOCAR, is also likely to participate in the project.
The Tamar gas field is located 90 km west of Haifa and contains approximately 389 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Chevron, one of the largest American energy companies, which owns 25% of the field, has already approved SOCAR’s inclusion in the consortium. The article highlights that Azerbaijan-Israel cooperation in the energy sector is a logical continuation of their long-term partnership, covering not only the fuel and energy complex but also defense, technology, transportation, and culture.
Geopolitical Perspective: The Role of the U.S. and Possible Expansion of the Abraham Accords
As Forbes notes, Israeli authorities are in constant dialogue with Washington to establish a strong foundation for trilateral cooperation between the U.S., Israel, and Azerbaijan. Israel’s Minister of National Missions, Orit Strock, confirmed that the Israeli parliament is considering an initiative to deepen strategic partnership with Baku, emphasizing Azerbaijan’s importance as a key ally in the region.
Furthermore, the article highlights that expanding energy cooperation between Israel and Azerbaijan may lead to the latter’s inclusion in the framework of the Abraham Accords—a diplomatic initiative aimed at normalizing Israel’s relations with several Muslim-majority countries. This step has raised concerns in Tehran, which views the strengthening of Azerbaijani-Israeli ties as a threat to its security.
Iranian officials have already responded to the growing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel. On March 1, the Iranian publication Iran Daily published an article titled “Israel’s Growing Footprint in Azerbaijan Raises Red Alert,” calling for strategies to counteract this trend. Proposed measures include deepening cooperation with Russia and Armenia, conducting military exercises on the border with Azerbaijan, applying economic pressure, and launching diplomatic initiatives to prevent Azerbaijan from joining the Abraham Accords.
Forbes emphasizes that cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel could become a key factor in shifting the geopolitical balance in the South Caucasus and the Middle East. Strengthening ties between the two countries, particularly in the energy sector, could open new economic and diplomatic opportunities and enhance Azerbaijan’s influence on the international stage.
The ongoing expansion of the Abraham Accords, the potential inclusion of Azerbaijan in a trilateral partnership with Israel and the U.S., and the growing energy projects indicate a new phase of international cooperation, where Baku is playing an increasingly significant role.
