Azerbaijan accused Iran of launching drone attacks on its Nakhchivan exclave on Thursday, injuring civilians and damaging the terminal building at Nakhchivan International Airport. According to multiple reports, one drone struck the airport while another exploded near a school in the nearby village of Shakarabad.
Key Takeaways
Azerbaijan accused Iran of launching drone attacks on its Nakhchivan exclave, injuring civilians and damaging an airport terminal. President Ilham Aliyev condemned the incident as terrorism and demanded an apology from Tehran.
- Azerbaijan claims Iranian drones struck Nakhchivan International Airport
- At least two people were injured in the attack near a school
- Iran denies involvement, suggesting it could be an Israeli false-flag operation
- Tensions between Azerbaijan and Iran have been rising due to Baku's close ties with Israel
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev condemned the incident as an "act of terror" and demanded an explanation and apology from Tehran. He also placed Baku's armed forces on high alert and instructed them to prepare retaliatory measures. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry summoned Iran's ambassador in Baku to provide clarifications.
Iran has denied any involvement in the attacks, with its deputy foreign minister stating that "the Islamic Republic of Iran has not targeted the Republic of Azerbaijan." Iranian officials suggested the attack could have been an Israeli false-flag operation aimed at diverting public opinion and undermining Iran's relations with its neighbors.
The incident highlights the complex relationship between Azerbaijan and Iran, as Baku has developed close military and economic ties with Israel in recent years. This has caused growing friction with Tehran, which views Azerbaijan's cooperation with Israel as a serious threat to its national security.
Nakhchivan is an isolated Azerbaijani territory bordering Iran, Turkey, and Armenia, making it particularly exposed during times of conflict. The exclave was part of a US-brokered peace deal signed last year between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which granted the United States development rights for a proposed route connecting Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave through southern Armenia.
Both countries have denied seeking escalation, with Aliyev insisting that Azerbaijan "will not participate" in military operations against Iran. However, the drone incident has raised tensions in the Caucasus region and could have far-reaching consequences for global air travel and energy markets.
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