Aliyev vows attacks on Azerbaijan ‘will face our Iron Fist’ after Iran drone strike
Aliyev Vows Attacks on Azerbaijan ‘Will Face Our Iron Fist’
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev announced that the nation’s military has entered “maximum operational preparedness” following an Iranian drone strike on the Nakhchivan International Airport passenger terminal and a rural school, which left four civilians injured. The decision came during a Thursday Security Council meeting, where Aliyev emphasized the need for Iran to provide an apology and clarify the incident, while also demanding that those responsible be held accountable under criminal law.
Aliyev’s remarks echoed his handling of the Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 crash in December 2024, when he directly blamed Russia for downing the plane. He reiterated that Iran’s actions are not isolated, asserting that “all necessary instructions” have been issued to outline a coordinated response. Hours after the meeting, cross-border movement between Azerbaijan and Iran was temporarily suspended, signaling heightened diplomatic tensions.
Historical Context and Past Incidents
Aliyev referenced several prior incidents he attributed to Iran, stating that the country has systematically targeted Azerbaijani citizens. He highlighted Tehran’s awareness that Azerbaijan serves as “a source of hope for many Azerbaijanis living in Iran,” linking this to ongoing disputes over the Azerbaijani minority in Iran and Azerbaijan’s robust alliance with Israel. Despite these tensions, Aliyev reaffirmed that his country remains committed to non-aggression toward Iran.
“We have not participated in any operations against Iran and will not do so,” Aliyev stated. “However, those who strike our territory in such a cowardly manner will face our unyielding resolve.”
During the Security Council session, Aliyev recounted a notable exchange from Thursday morning. He explained that the Iranian deputy foreign minister had reached out to Baku, requesting assistance in evacuating embassy staff stranded in Lebanon due to financial constraints. “I ordered immediate help and the dispatch of an aircraft,” Aliyev said. “They even offered to cover the costs. I believed it was our duty to support them in times of need.”
“But after providing this aid, to retaliate against Nakhchivan in such a treacherous and disrespectful way? This mark will forever tarnish their reputation,” he added.
Turkey swiftly condemned the drone attacks, aligning with Baku’s position. A ministry statement noted that Ankara “will continue to support Azerbaijan as it has done consistently.” The remarks underscored the strategic alignment between the two nations amid rising regional hostilities. Tehran, however, has denied involvement in the strike, leaving the situation open to further escalation.
