Ilham Aliyev warns of retaliation after Iran drone attack on Azerbaijan, amid rising regional tensions. Son of former president, in power since 2003.
Armenia and the US signed a multibillion-dollar nuclear energy agreement, marking a shift from reliance on Russia. US Vice President Vance's visit also focused on regional peace and infrastructure projects, including a new transit corridor connecting Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. The deal aims to diversify Armenia's energy sources amid regional tensions.
U.S. Vice President Vance visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, describing it as an honor to victims. An initial social media post calling it a 'genocide' was deleted after staff error. The incident highlights sensitivities around the term and U.S.-Turkey-Armenia relations.
On March 5, 2026, Azerbaijan accused Iran of launching drone attacks on its Nakhchivan exclave, damaging an airport and a school, and injuring two civilians. Azerbaijan condemned the strikes as violations of international law and prepared retaliatory measures. Iran denied targeting Azerbaijan. The incident escalates regional tensions amid ongoing conflicts involving Israel, the US, and Iran.
Amid ongoing US-led strikes on Iran, President Trump has publicly supported Iranian Kurdish groups in Iraq to attack Iran. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes in northern Iraq, while US forces target Iranian ships and missile facilities. The conflict has expanded regionally, with multiple countries involved.