Weekly Political Review: April 26-May 3, 2026

The week of April 20–26, 2026 was characterized by an intensification of foreign policy tensions amid active diplomacy, a growing role of security factors and the sanctions agenda, and the continued high intensity of domestic political and legal dynamics.

Azerbaijan resumed the operation of its embassy in Iran one month after the evacuation of staff from Tehran. The diplomatic mission is functioning with a limited staff, with full restoration expected to take place gradually.

President Ilham Aliyev paid a working visit to Georgia. Meetings were held with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and President Mikheil Kavelashvili. The main topics of the talks included regional security amid the crisis surrounding Iran, transit routes and energy, and coordination on transport projects within the framework of the Middle Corridor. The parties emphasized the strategic nature of relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as the importance of stable logistics and energy infrastructure in the South Caucasus.

During the week of March 30 to April 4, the political agenda in Azerbaijan was shaped by three key factors: the ongoing tensions surrounding Iran, the intensification of foreign policy diplomacy, and the strengthening of internal control, including in the judicial and media spheres. As in previous weeks, a combination of foreign policy flexibility and internal centralization can be observed.