The United Kingdom has officially lifted its more than three-decade-old arms embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan, marking a major policy shift that reflects renewed optimism over peace efforts in the South Caucasus.
The decision was announced in a written statement to Parliament by Minister of State for Europe, Stephen Doughty. The statement supersedes the government’s previous communication of July 1, 2025, and formalizes the end of restrictions first imposed in 1992 in response to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
According to Doughty, the original rationale for the embargo “has now fallen away” following recent developments between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including the August 8 peace summit in Washington hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump. During that meeting, Armenia and Azerbaijan initialed a comprehensive peace agreement and signed a joint declaration committing to mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Doughty said the UK government views the peace process as a “pivotal moment” for regional stability and a foundation for long-term cooperation. He described the lifting of the embargo as part of a broader effort to “upgrade” Britain’s bilateral relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan to strategic partnerships.
Under the new framework, the UK will pursue closer cooperation with the two countries in areas such as trade, security, and defense. However, Doughty emphasized that all export and trade licenses for military or dual-use equipment will continue to be assessed individually under the UK’s Strategic Export Licensing Criteria, and that any applications inconsistent with those rules will be refused.
The minister also pledged to keep the regional and internal security situations under close review. “This is a moment of opportunity for peace, security and prosperity in the South Caucasus,” Doughty said, adding that the UK stands ready to work with Armenia, Azerbaijan, the United States, the European Union and other international partners to consolidate peace and stability in the region.
