diff --git a/changelog/3974.changed.md b/changelog/3974.changed.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..7c4c360d5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changelog/3974.changed.md
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+- `AzureSTTService` `region` parameter is now optional when `private_endpoint` is provided. A `ValueError` is raised if neither is given, and a warning is logged if both are provided (`private_endpoint` takes priority).
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/azure/stt.py b/src/pipecat/services/azure/stt.py
index 169b055f2..6abe52db1 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/azure/stt.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/azure/stt.py
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ class AzureSTTService(STTService):
 
             sample_rate: Audio sample rate in Hz. If None, uses service default.
             private_endpoint: Private endpoint for STT behind firewall.
-                See https://docs.azure.cn/en-us/ai-services/speech-service/speech-services-private-link?tabs=portal
+                See https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/ai-services/speech-service/speech-services-private-link?tabs=portal
             endpoint_id: Custom model endpoint id.
             settings: Runtime-updatable settings. When provided alongside deprecated
                 parameters, ``settings`` values take precedence.