What is section 907 of the freedom support act?
Section 907 is a provision of the 1992 Freedom Support Act, which prohibited direct US government assistance to Azerbaijan. It was passed in response to allegations that Azerbaijan had imposed a blockade on Armenia during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.While intended to protect Armenia, critics have long argued that the law was one-sided and outdated, especially given the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Why is President Trump suspending it now?
President Trump is expected to sign an executive document suspending the enforcement of Section 907 on August 8, 2025, during the official visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
The move is being seen as a symbolic and strategic gesture, aligning with broader US efforts to strengthen ties with Azerbaijan amid shifting alliances in the region.
Has Section 907 been enforced consistently?
Not entirely. While it was passed in 1992, several US administrations routinely waived its provisions, especially after the 9/11 attacks, when Azerbaijan became a critical partner in counter-terrorism efforts.
However, the Biden administration reinstated enforcement, citing concerns over human rights and regional instability, using it as diplomatic leverage against Baku.
What is the significance of this suspension for Azerbaijan?
Suspending Section 907 is being hailed in Baku as a long-overdue correction of a diplomatic injustice. It also:
- Signals a new phase of US-Azerbaijan strategic cooperation
- Opens doors for direct aid, defense deals, and investment
- Boosts Azerbaijan’s international standing amid post-conflict negotiations with Armenia
What does this mean for US interests in the region?
Washington’s growing ties with Azerbaijan reflect broader strategic goals:
- Securing energy corridors from the Caspian to Europe
- Countering Russian and Iranian influence in the Caucasus
- Enhancing cooperation on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and defense
The new strategic partnership will include collaboration on:
- Energy, trade, and regional transit
- Investment in tech and digital infrastructure
- Security cooperation, including defense sales and counter-terrorism
What else happened during Aliyev’s visit to Washington?
Several major developments accompanied the visit:
- A Memorandum of Cooperation between SOCAR (Azerbaijan’s state oil company) and ExxonMobil was signed.
- A Joint Declaration is expected between Azerbaijan and Armenia, with US President Donald Trump in attendance.
- A Strategic Working Group was established between Washington and Baku to draft a Charter on Strategic Partnership.
Is peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan finally within reach?
During the visit, the text of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan was officially initialled, signaling that both parties have agreed on its content. Though not a final signing, initialling marks the end of the negotiation phase and a step toward a legally binding treaty.
However, Armenia plans a national referendum in 2026 to amend its constitution—an essential condition for the treaty to be finalized.
What are the main conditions set by Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan has demanded:
- A joint appeal to the OSCE to dissolve the Minsk Group, which mediated the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict for decades.
- Constitutional amendments in Armenia to eliminate territorial claims against Azerbaijan.
Will the agreement affect regional infrastructure?
Yes. The peace framework includes provisions for the Zangezur Corridor, a transport route connecting mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhchivan through southern Armenia. This corridor is a top priority for Baku and has now reportedly been accepted by Yerevan.
With the suspension of Section 907 and the initialling of a peace deal, the region is poised for transformation. The final peace treaty will likely follow the 2026 Armenian referendum. Meanwhile, US and Azerbaijani officials will continue working on their strategic partnership charter, with a focus on long-term economic and security cooperation.
