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Friday, March 27, 2026
South Caucasus and regional risks of Middle East escalation

South Caucasus and regional risks of Middle East escalation

The intensifying confrontation between Iran, Israel and the United States is no longer confined to the Middle East. Its shockwaves are being felt across the South Caucasus, a region that has quietly assumed the role of a strategic buffer between competing power centres. Because for countries such as Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, the risks are no longer theoretical. They are rather structural, immediate and increasingly difficult to hedge.

Nation
Lankaran sees low-intensity earthquake, experts say no threat

Lankaran sees low-intensity earthquake, experts say no threat

A minor earthquake was recorded in southern Azerbaijan’s Lankaran district, AzerNEWS reports, citing the Republican Seismological Service Center.

Oil & Gas
Azeri Light oil price jumps above $121 per barrel

Azeri Light oil price jumps above $121 per barrel

The price of Azerbaijan’s Azeri Light crude oil rose significantly on international markets, AzerNEWS reports.

Business
Azerbaijan sees growth in consumer spending in January-February 2026

Azerbaijan sees growth in consumer spending in January-February 2026

In January-February of this year, the value of goods sold and services provided to meet consumer needs in Azerbaijan amounted to 13 billion manat (≈ $7.67 billion), AzerNEWS reports citing the State Statistics Committee.

Armenian-Azerbaijani Relations
Pashinyan: Armenia lived in a “frozen war” until September 2020

Pashinyan: Armenia lived in a “frozen war” until September 2020

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the country was not in a state of peace until September 2020, but rather in a “frozen war.”

World
Iran: Hormuz closed indefinitely, ships face 'harsh response'

Iran: Hormuz closed indefinitely, ships face 'harsh response'

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and warned any vessel attempting to transit the waterway will face a "harsh response", AzerNEWS reports.

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
Submissions now open for art exhibition "Colors of Spring"

Submissions now open for art exhibition "Colors of Spring"

Submissions are now open for the art exhibition "Colors of Spring" (Baharın rəngləri), held under the motto: "Stay in Touch with Nature – Capture Its Charm," AzerNEWS reports.

Culture
Azerbaijan unveils ‘FotoBax’ contest under global ‘Children’s Eyes on Earth’ initiative

Azerbaijan unveils ‘FotoBax’ contest under global ‘Children’s Eyes on Earth’ initiative

The national photography contest “FotoBax” has officially been launched in Azerbaijan as part of the international “Children’s Eyes on Earth” project. The initiative is supported by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and leader of the IDEA Public Union, and was initiated by internationally renowned photographer Reza Deqati, founder of the “Reza Visual Academy” association.

Analysis

Events
Fragile peace in South Caucasus faces its loudest opposition overseas [OPINION]

Fragile peace in South Caucasus faces its loudest opposition overseas [OPINION]

Armenian revanchism cultivated by diaspora groups has not disappeared with the guns falling silent. If anything, it has simply migrated, taking root far from the South Caucasus in shape of networks that continue to promote grievance, resentment and outdated narratives of separatism.

Sports
Azerbaijan announces initial line-up for European Judo Championship

Azerbaijan announces initial line-up for European Judo Championship

Azerbaijan has announced its preliminary squad for the upcoming European Judo Championships, set to take place in Tbilisi, Georgia, from April 16 to 19.

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