On May 28, 2025, The Washington Reporter published an article titled “SCOOP: Azerbaijan could be President Trump’s next peace plan target”, authored by political correspondent Matthew Foldi. The piece explores the possibility of former and current U.S. President Donald Trump becoming involved in brokering peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the aftermath of the 2023 Second Karabakh War.
The article centers on an exclusive interview with Hikmet Hajiyev, Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of Azerbaijan, who openly invited Trump to take a leading role in resolving the long-standing conflict in the South Caucasus. Hajiyev stated that Azerbaijan experienced a “hard time” during Joe Biden’s presidency and is now hopeful for renewed cooperation under Trump’s leadership.
According to Hajiyev, Azerbaijan is ready to actively promote peaceful coexistence and regional stability — including through the values enshrined in the Abraham Accords. Remarkably, he emphasized that “the Abraham Accords started with Azerbaijan,” citing Baku’s long-standing diplomatic ties with Israel and its role as a model for Muslim-majority countries seeking normalization with the Jewish state.
The article highlights Azerbaijan’s strategic importance to the United States — both as an energy powerhouse and a secular Muslim state standing firm against Russian and Iranian influence. The author recalls that Azerbaijan was one of America’s most reliable allies during the war in Afghanistan, providing critical airspace access after the 9/11 attacks and being the last foreign military contingent to withdraw from the country.
Commenting on the potential for peace, Saul Anuzis, President of the International Institute, noted that “it is in America’s best interest to have both friends — Azerbaijan and Armenia — at peace.” He added that the “Trump effect” has already proven to be globally constructive and could be instrumental in the Caucasus as well.
Foldi’s article concludes by framing Azerbaijan as a modern, secular, and stable partner for the West, capable of playing a leading role in advancing regional diplomacy under U.S. sponsorship.
