Aliyev vows attacks on Azerbaijan ‘will face our Iron Fist’ after Iran drone strike
Aliyev Vows ‘Iron Fist’ Response to Iran Drone Attacks
Azerbaijan’s president declared the military into full operational preparedness following a drone strike by Tehran that targeted the Nakhchivan International Airport passenger terminal and a rural school, resulting in four civilian injuries. The decision came as part of a Security Council meeting chaired by Ilham Aliyev, who emphasized the need for Iran to issue an apology and provide a clear explanation for the incident. He also stated that those responsible for the attack would face criminal consequences, stressing that this was not an isolated incident.
Historical Context and Regional Tensions
Aliyev’s approach mirrors his reaction to the Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 crash in December 2024, where he directly blamed Russia for the downing of the plane. The president highlighted ongoing friction with Iran, citing past actions he claimed were orchestrated by Tehran against Azerbaijani citizens. He further noted that the country maintains robust ties with Israel, while tensions have risen over the Azerbaijani community in Iran.
A few hours after the Security Council session, Azerbaijan suspended cross-border movement with Iran. The president reiterated that despite these challenges, Azerbaijan remains committed to non-involvement in any operations against Iran. “Our stance is clear: we will not engage in attacks on Tehran,” Aliyev affirmed.
“Thursday morning, the Iranian deputy foreign minister contacted Baku and requested assistance in evacuating embassy staff stranded in Lebanon due to lack of resources. I promptly arranged for support and dispatched an aircraft. They even offered to cover the costs. I said it was unnecessary—when should we help if not in times of need? And in return, they struck Nakhchivan with such a deceitful and dishonorable act? This mark will remain on their disgraceful image forever,” Aliyev stated.
Regional Support Amid Escalation
Turkey swiftly condemned the drone attacks, with its ministry declaring strong backing for Azerbaijan. “We firmly reject the aerial assaults on our ally today,” the statement read, reiterating Ankara’s consistent support for Baku. The incident has intensified the already strained relationship between Azerbaijan and Iran, particularly regarding the Azerbaijani diaspora in the country.