Azerbaijan steps up diplomacy amid Iran crisis and U.S. pause in strikes

Azerbaijan intensified its diplomatic activity on Monday amid ongoing tensions around Iran, with Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov holding a phone call with his Iranian counterpart against the backdrop of continued contacts between Washington and Tehran and a pause in U.S. strikes.

The call took place after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a five-day halt in military operations to allow, in his words, “productive negotiations” with Iran, prompting regional actors to reassess risks and diplomatic approaches.

Azerbaijan, which borders Iran and is a key player in the Caspian energy system, is seeking to stabilize the situation in order to protect its strategic interests, including risks associated with tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional instability.

According to sources, the sides discussed efforts to prevent further military escalation and to ensure security in the Caspian region. The talks also addressed the investigation into drone strikes on Nakhchivan in early March — an incident that heightened concern in Baku.

Analysts say Azerbaijan’s diplomatic line reflects a dual-track approach: responding to immediate security threats while simultaneously supporting international efforts to de-escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Earlier, President Ilham Aliyev had stated that Baku was ready to act as a mediator between the United States and Iran, emphasizing the priority of negotiations over escalation.

Amid the crisis, Azerbaijan’s foreign policy activity has increased significantly. According to sources, Bayramov is holding near-daily consultations with counterparts from Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia.