The United States has offered to oversee the disputed transport corridor between Armenia and Azerbaijan through a private American company as part of a broader effort to revive stalled peace talks between the two nations. U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack confirmed the proposal, which aims to resolve disputes over the so-called Zangezur Corridor and facilitate the signing of a long-delayed peace agreement.

U.S. Proposes Neutral Oversight of Key Corridor

Speaking to reporters, Barrack suggested a U.S. commercial operator could manage the 32-kilometre corridor for a 100-year lease to guarantee security and access for both sides. The corridor would connect Azerbaijan proper with its exclave Nakhchivan through Armenian territory, a route Baku insists must not be controlled solely by Yerevan. Armenia objects to the term “Zangezur Corridor,” arguing it implies irredentist claims on its sovereign territory.

Barrack’s comments mark the first official confirmation of Washington’s willingness to step in to break the deadlock, amid Azerbaijan’s demands for unfettered access and Armenia’s refusal to cede control.

The U.S. plan mirrors an earlier EU proposal involving international oversight and transparency in cargo monitoring. The idea, originally floated by Türkiye, would see a neutral logistics firm manage the corridor and share data openly with all parties. This arrangement seeks to address Baku’s security concerns while preserving Armenian sovereignty over the territory.

Peace Talks Remain Fragile

Although Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed on a draft peace deal in March, disputes over the corridor and demands for constitutional amendments from Baku have stalled progress. The corridor remains one of the thorniest issues in a broader conflict that dates back to the Nagorno-Karabakh wars.

Türkiye continues to urge Baku to finalize the deal, citing shifting regional dynamics, including Iran’s diminished influence. Armenia also demands that any oversight arrangement extends to Nakhchivan, a condition Baku rejects.