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The current peace plan for the Gaza Strip envisions the deployment of a multinational stabilization force, the International Stabilization Force (ISF), under a transitional governance structure, the Board of Peace.
The ISF would be tasked with providing security, helping train a new Palestinian police force, overseeing disarmament, protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said Monday that the United States invited Azerbaijan to participate in a peacekeeping mission in Gaza but noted that Baku has not made a decision, citing unanswered questions.
Bayramov made the remarks during a joint news conference in Baku following talks with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi.
The two ministers discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global developments.
Calling the situation in Gaza a serious concern, Bayramov said Azerbaijan welcomed the U.S.-announced peace plan and supported subsequent UN Security Council resolutions.
“Azerbaijan received an invitation from the United States to join a peace mission in Gaza. We were among the first countries to receive such an invitation,” he said.
Bayramov noted that Washington cited Azerbaijan’s positive relations with all regional actors as the reason for the invitation.
“We sent our questions, but not all have been answered. As some questions remain open, there is currently no decision to send an Azerbaijani military unit to Gaza,” he added.
Bayramov highlighted the historical, cultural, and religious ties with Iran, adding that 2025 is an important year for bilateral cooperation.
He said the two countries’ presidents reached significant agreements during recent visits and that today’s talks covered political, economic, transport, energy security and humanitarian issues.
The Azerbaijani minister also underscored the need to increase bilateral trade, which stood at around $650 million in 2024 and about $520 million in the first 10 months of this year.
He said joint infrastructure projects, including bridges over the Astarachay and Araz rivers, are progressing and will boost logistics and connectivity.
Sharing updates on Azerbaijan’s reconstruction efforts in territories regained from Armenian control, Bayramov said over 50,000 people have returned and new cities and villages are being rebuilt.
He noted ongoing demining activities, stating that over 400 people have been victims of landmines since 2020, with 70 fatalities.
Bayramov reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s proposal to host the next meeting of the 3+3 regional platform involving Azerbaijan, Armenia, Türkiye, Iran, Russia and Georgia.
He said the previous offer remains valid and that Armenia now has no reason to reject it.
Both ministers also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East.
Bayramov emphasized that Azerbaijan and Iran support regional peace, stability and economic cooperation.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Arakchi said the 3+3 format plays an important role in strengthening regional peace and stability.
He stressed that Tehran seeks to maintain relations with Azerbaijan at the highest level and that both sides are committed to preventing any harm to bilateral ties.
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