The latest interview by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev contains several important messages addressed both to Armenia and to external partners. This was stated by political analyst Karen Igityan, who examined the key emphases in Aliyev’s remarks.
Aggressive rhetoric as Baku’s consistent policy
According to Igityan, Aliyev repeatedly refers to Armenia as an enemy during the interview. This, in his view, demonstrates the continued aggressive nature of Baku’s official rhetoric and the absence of any signs of moderation.
Economic narratives as a political PR tool
The analyst also draws attention to the economic topics raised by Aliyev. In his assessment, discussions about trade in oil products or similar issues with Armenia lack real substance and are largely artificial.
“These topics are needed by Aliyev for PR purposes and to push for the repeal of the 907th amendment in relations with the United States,” Igityan stresses.
The “Zangezur corridor” and the logic of coercion
Commenting on the so-called “Zangezur corridor,” Igityan notes that Aliyev openly states that the corridor will be implemented regardless of its name. Moreover, the Azerbaijani president admits that he was initially prepared to open it through military means.
“He directly says that he intended to resolve the issue ‘by any means,’ merely adding that it is better if it was achieved peacefully,” the analyst notes.
Manipulation of the Artsakh recognition narrative
Igityan also addresses Aliyev’s claim that Armenia recognized Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan in October 2022. He considers this a product of domestic propaganda and criticizes those circles that, in his words, fail to clearly articulate when and on what basis such recognition supposedly occurred.
Borders, military power, and disregard for international law
On the issue of borders, Aliyev argues that Armenia’s borders do not exist until they are recognized by Azerbaijan. Igityan describes this approach as a logic of “vilayetization,” recalling that Azerbaijan’s own borders once lacked legal formalization until they were recognized by Armenia.
“The difference, however, is that Pashinyan handed them over,” Igityan emphasizes.
Aliyev’s statements regarding Azerbaijan’s military capabilities are also deeply concerning. According to the analyst, Baku openly claims that its current military potential is several times greater than in 2020.
Overall, Igityan concludes that Aliyev’s rhetoric clearly reflects a demonstrative disregard for international law.
“His message is straightforward: international law does not work; real power relations do. What matters are not cadastral documents, but force. And Armenia’s strength, unfortunately, continues to weaken year after year,” he concludes.