U.S. Congressmen Darrell Issa and Gus Bilirakis have introduced the “Preventing Escalation and Advancing Caucasus Engagement Act (PEACE Act, H.R. 5632)” in the House of Representatives. The bill proposes sanctions against Azerbaijan in the event of new military aggression against Armenia.

The proposed measures include freezing the assets of Azerbaijani officials, imposing visa bans, and applying financial restrictions on banks facilitating trade in Azerbaijani oil. However, the bill also includes exemptions for humanitarian aid and essential goods, indicating an attempt to account for the humanitarian dimension. The legislation would remain in effect for seven years following its adoption.

The bill was introduced on September 30, 2025, and immediately referred to three House committees – Foreign Affairs, Judiciary, and Financial Services. It is currently at an early stage of the legislative process and has not yet been reviewed by the committees. If approved there, it will require subsequent passage by the House and Senate, and finally, the signature of the U.S. President.

The bill expresses support for Armenia’s sovereignty and endorses the peace initiatives of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. This American initiative could be interpreted as a political signal to Azerbaijan, urging restraint toward Armenia. At the same time, the bill’s success depends on multiple factors – the political will of U.S. lawmakers, Washington’s strategic priorities in the South Caucasus, and Baku’s response.

Even if the bill does not become law, its very introduction demonstrates that Washington is considering a tougher stance toward Azerbaijan, thereby increasing diplomatic pressure on Baku.

The proposal serves as a warning: in the event of renewed aggression, sanctions could follow. However, it also shows that the United States seeks to act as a “third party” attempting to intervene in regional tensions. In practice, the legislative path is long – committees, debates, lobbying influences, and geopolitical calculations could all shape the outcome.

If adopted, the bill could shift the regional balance of power: Azerbaijan might reconsider its diplomatic and economic strategies, particularly in the oil export and banking sectors, while Armenia would gain an additional instrument of international support.

Source: Armenpress.am

#AZERBAIJAN

08.10.2025 11:41