Azerbaijan, Iran affirm Aghband–Kelaleh project near completion after SCO summit

Presidents Aliyev and Pezeshkian confirmed final-stage implementation of the Aghband–Kelaleh transport project, a bilateral connectivity initiative discussed at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. The statement signals continued cooperation between Baku and Tehran despite regional tensions, but provides no new commitments or timeline. The project's completion would enhance regional trade links, though its strategic impact remains modest.