The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, is a strategically important alternative transport artery linking the People’s Republic of China with European Union countries, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijan Railways.
Day: January 30, 2026
Georgia’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 7.5% in 2025, according to rapid estimates released by the National Statistics Office (Geostat) on January 30. Real GDP increased by 7.2% year-on-year in December 2025.
Georgia’s 2025 growth exceeded projections by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), both of which had forecasted a 7% growth.
Geostat said economic growth in December was primarily driven by manufacturing, information and communication, transportation and storage, as well as accommodation, and food service activities. In contrast, the construction sector saw a decline.
Georgia’s economy is projected to grow by 5.4% in 2026, according to the latest United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report. Both the EBRD and the ADB project growth of 5% in 2026.
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The Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Republic “Memory Book” Editorial Board, in collaboration with the Yasamal District Executive Authority and the YAP Yasamal District Organization, held a presentation ceremony for the 4th volume of the multi-volume work titled “44 Days – The Historic Victory”, Azernews reports.
Azerbaijan’s position on Iran
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov told his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, during a recent phone call that Azerbaijan would never allow its territory or airspace to be used for military attacks against Iran.
He said rising tensions in the region were a cause for serious concern and urged all sides to refrain from actions and rhetoric that could further destabilise the situation in and around Iran.
Mr Bayramov stressed that existing problems could only be resolved in line with international law, through dialogue and diplomatic efforts.
US shows military force in the region
In recent days, the United States has stepped up its military presence in Central Asia. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class vessel, along with several accompanying guided-missile destroyers, has been deployed to the Arabian Sea.
While the Pentagon said multinational air exercises were under way in the region, observers have interpreted the move as preparations by Washington for a possible strike against the government in Iran.
US President Donald Trump has also issued warning statements towards Iran in recent days. He said that any new strike would be more destructive than the 12-day war against Iran that the United States and Israel fought last June.
During that brief conflict, strikes were carried out on a number of Iran’s strategic nuclear facilities, as well as the homes of senior military figures. More than a thousand civilians were reported killed.
Internal protests in Iran and a “nightmare scenario”
The situation inside Iran also remains critical. In the final days of last year, mass protests broke out amid a sharp rise in inflation and the collapse of the national currency. What began as demonstrations over social and economic grievances quickly turned into protests with political demands. The authorities attempted to suppress them using force.
Independent human rights groups say that in early January, hundreds – and possibly thousands – of protesters were killed by gunfire in several cities. Official figures say at least 109 members of the security forces also died during the unrest. The events are reported to have deeply shaken the Iranian leadership and increased the risk of internal confrontation.
Against this backdrop, international media have been discussing alarming scenarios linked to Iran’s future. The influential newspaper The Washington Post, which is often described as close to the White House, raised what it called a “nightmare scenario” for Iran in an article published in January.
The report suggested that if Iran’s internal crisis were to escalate into armed conflict, neighbouring Azerbaijan could consider intervening to protect millions of ethnic Azerbaijanis living in Iran, potentially with support from Turkey.
It warned that a deepening internal conflict in Iran could raise the risk of the country fragmenting along ethnic lines – a prospect widely seen as one of the most alarming scenarios for Tehran.
Azerbaijan’s position on Iran