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Monday February 23 2026
Iran turns to South Caucasus corridors as Western pressure mounts and Hormuz risks rise

Iran turns to South Caucasus corridors as Western pressure mounts and Hormuz risks rise

For Iran, this corridor represents a land-based alternative to the Suez Canal; for Russia, it provides southern access amid sanctions. For Azerbaijan, it means increased transit revenues and enhanced geo-economic significance.

Nation
ANAMA destroys 999 explosives in seven days, expands safety in liberated areas

ANAMA destroys 999 explosives in seven days, expands safety in liberated areas

From February 16 to 22, a total of 28 anti-tank mines, 175 anti-personnel mines, and 796 unexploded ordnance (UXO) were discovered and safely neutralized in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories.

Oil & Gas
Fuel production at Azerbaijan refinery continues decline

Fuel production at Azerbaijan refinery continues decline

Automotive fuel production at the oil refinery in Azerbaijan has decreased again, according to preliminary data from the State Statistics Committee, AzerNEWS reports. In January 2026, gasoline output totaled...

Business
Jobless rate frozen at 5.2% as Azerbaijan’s labour market shows signs of plateau

Jobless rate frozen at 5.2% as Azerbaijan’s labour market shows signs of plateau

Azerbaijan’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.2% as of 1 February 2026, according to preliminary data from the State Statistics Committee, suggesting a labour market that has stabilised but not necessarily strengthened.

Analysis

Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
Trump says he brokered peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia in 24-hour push

Trump says he brokered peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia in 24-hour push

“They are good people, but they are tough. I think they have become friends,” said U.S. President Donald Trump, referring to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan during the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington.

Armenian Aggression
Ruben Vardanyan linked to Epstein files

Ruben Vardanyan linked to Epstein files

Businessman Ruben Vardanyan, recently convicted of war crimes by a Baku court, appears in the so-called Epstein files, a collection of emails, correspondence, and records from the late U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein, AzerNEWS reports.

World
Blizzard hits U.S. northeast, disrupts travel and public life

Blizzard hits U.S. northeast, disrupts travel and public life

A severe snowstorm sweeping across the U.S. Northeast has disrupted the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of residents, prompting emergency declarations in New York and surrounding areas.

Travel
Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport

Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport
Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month

Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month
Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]

Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]
Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture

Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture
Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park

Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park
Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Lifestyle
Baby monkey Punch becomes internet sensation

Baby monkey Punch becomes internet sensation

A baby Japanese macaque named Punch has captured hearts around the world after his story went viral from the Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, AzerNEWS reports citing foreign media.

Culture
Folklore Institute holds discussions on scientific-technical activities [PHOTOS]

Folklore Institute holds discussions on scientific-technical activities [PHOTOS]

A meeting has been held to discuss the scientific and scientific-technical activities of the Digital Folklore and Artificial Intelligence Department of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) Folklore Institute for 2026, AzerNEWS reports.

Events
Azerbaijan opens doors for global film projects at Berlinale [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan opens doors for global film projects at Berlinale [PHOTOS]

The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), is one of the most prestigious and highly regarded film festivals in the world.

Sports
National team claims six medals at Trampoline Gymnastics and Tumbling World Cup [PHOTOS]

National team claims six medals at Trampoline Gymnastics and Tumbling World Cup [PHOTOS]

National Gymnastics Arena in Baku has hosted the Trampoline Gymnastics and Tumbling World Cup, drawing 66 gymnasts from six countries, AzerNEWS reports.

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