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Friday December 19 2025
US–Venezuela tensions escalate as Washington expands oil sanctions and naval operations

US–Venezuela tensions escalate as Washington expands oil sanctions and naval operations

Relations between the United States and Venezuela have become increasingly tense, and the trend is expected to follow an upward trajectory. Washington accuses the Maduro government of supporting drug trafficking and illegal activities and has imposed sanctions on the country’s oil sector. Furthermore, the U.S. has deployed naval and air forces to the region, striking several vessels and blocking oil tankers. Maduro’s government calls these actions an attack on state sovereignty and hints at possible countermeasures. Energy markets face uncertainty, while regional leaders urge calm. The UN Secretary-General and international organizations are calling for a peaceful resolution, as the crisis impacts Latin America and the global community.

Nation
Brussels sidelines Washington platform, elevates Paris–Brussels axis in Armenia deal

Brussels sidelines Washington platform, elevates Paris–Brussels axis in Armenia deal

In recent months, the European Union’s (EU) policy toward the South Caucasus has increasingly come under scrutiny. Although official Brussels continues to emphasize its commitment to peace, stability, and cooperation, the actual steps taken and the documents adopted often point in the opposite direction. This contradiction becomes especially evident in the context of Azerbaijan–Armenia relations, where new realities are emerging after years of conflict. Instead of embracing these developments and supporting genuine normalization, the EU’s position appears inconsistent, selective, and at times openly biased.

Oil & Gas
Crude oil and petroleum product exports to Bulgaria show sharp increase

Crude oil and petroleum product exports to Bulgaria show sharp increase

The growth in supplies to Bulgaria reflects the continued diversification of Azerbaijan’s energy export destinations and the strengthening of trade ties with European markets.

Business
Azerbaijan, Oman explore opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan, Oman explore opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, met with his counterpart from the Sultanate of Oman, Said bin Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Saqri, to discuss ways to deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Analysis

Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
Pashinyan calls for restoration of railway links as Azerbaijani fuel shipment heads to Armenia

Pashinyan calls for restoration of railway links as Azerbaijani fuel shipment heads to Armenia

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said he asked Russia to urgently restore several key railway lines, Azernews reports via Armenian media.

Armenian Aggression
Prosecutor demands life imprisonment for accused war criminal

Prosecutor demands life imprisonment for accused war criminal

The trial of Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, and other serious offenses under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continued on December 18.

World
EU lifts full 2035 ban on internal combustion engine car sales

EU lifts full 2035 ban on internal combustion engine car sales

The European Commission has officially announced a significant change in its plan to transition to cleaner car engines over the next decade, 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
Azerbaijan represented at int'l exhibition in Algeria [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan represented at int'l exhibition in Algeria [PHOTOS]

An international exhibition and fashion show has taken place in Algiers, the capital of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijan State Committee on Work with Diaspora.

Culture
National Academy of Sciences holds next meeting in Baku [PHOTOS]

National Academy of Sciences holds next meeting in Baku [PHOTOS]

The Praesidium of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) has held its next meeting, Azernews reports. The session was opened by ANAS President, Academician Isa Habibbayli, who informed participants about the agenda.

Events
Final event dedicated to agribusiness festivals held in Baku

Final event dedicated to agribusiness festivals held in Baku

A closing event dedicated to the Agribusiness Festivals is being held in Baku today.

Sports
Azerbaijan Premier League reaches historic milestone in Top Division

Azerbaijan Premier League reaches historic milestone in Top Division

The 6000th match in the history of the Azerbaijan football championships has been played, Azernews reports. The Round 15 fixture of the Azerbaijan Premier League between Qarabag and Araz-Nakhchivan (5:1) became notable for this historic milestone.

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