Armenian lobby in US pushes for sanctions on Baku but faces no chance of success

The Armenian lobby in the United States has launched a new push for sanctions against Azerbaijan on the anniversary of the counter-terrorism operation in Karabakh, but analysts say it stands no chance of success.

The Armenian National Committee of America introduced a bipartisan bill in Congress calling for sanctions. At an event in the Capitol, lawmakers Frank Pallone, Brad Sherman and Laura Friedman spoke in support, saying the “people of Artsakh must have the right to return to Karabakh.”

Sherman proposed amendments to the State Department’s 2026 budget legislation to block any waiver of Section 907 and to link U.S. support for Turkey and Azerbaijan to “lifting Armenia’s blockade and releasing prisoners.” Lawmakers Dina Titus and Gus Bilirakis submitted a separate bill to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act.

Previous initiatives have repeatedly failed, even under President Joe Biden’s administration. With Republicans in control of Congress and President Donald Trump seeking to upgrade ties with Azerbaijan to a strategic partnership, the prospects for pro-Armenian lawmakers are seen as virtually zero.

The Armenian National Committee of America introduced a bipartisan bill in Congress calling for sanctions. At an event in the Capitol, lawmakers Frank Pallone, Brad Sherman and Laura Friedman spoke in support, saying the “people of Artsakh must have the right to return to Karabakh.”

Sherman proposed amendments to the State Department’s 2026 budget legislation to block any waiver of Section 907 and to link U.S. support for Turkey and Azerbaijan to “lifting Armenia’s blockade and releasing prisoners.” Lawmakers Dina Titus and Gus Bilirakis submitted a separate bill to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act.

Previous initiatives have repeatedly failed, even under President Joe Biden’s administration. With Republicans in control of Congress and President Donald Trump seeking to upgrade ties with Azerbaijan to a strategic partnership, the prospects for pro-Armenian lawmakers are seen as virtually zero.