Aliyev vows attacks on Azerbaijan ‘will face our Iron Fist’ after Iran drone strike
Aliyev vows attacks on Azerbaijan ‘will face our Iron Fist’ after Iran drone strike
On Thursday, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev ordered the country’s military into high alert, declaring that the armed forces would be fully prepared to respond to any threats. The move followed an Iranian drone strike that targeted the passenger terminal of Nakhchivan International Airport and a rural school, leaving four civilians injured. Aliyev emphasized the need for Iran to provide an explanation and offer an apology, while ensuring those responsible for the attack face legal consequences.
During a Security Council session, the president highlighted that Tehran’s actions were not an isolated incident, asserting that the attack was part of a broader pattern. He also referenced a similar incident from December 2024, when he directly blamed Russia for downing an Azerbaijani Airlines flight. Aliyev stated that all necessary directives had been issued to outline a clear course of action against the perceived aggression.
A few hours after the Security Council meeting, Azerbaijan suspended cross-border movement with Iran, signaling a shift in diplomatic relations. The president reiterated his stance, recalling previous Iranian operations against Azerbaijani interests. He noted that Iran’s actions were motivated by its awareness of Azerbaijan as a beacon of hope for many citizens living in the country.
“Thursday morning, the deputy foreign minister of Iran contacted Baku and requested Azerbaijan’s help in evacuating embassy staff stranded in Lebanon due to limited resources,” Aliyev stated. “I promptly arranged for assistance and dispatched an aircraft. They even offered to cover the costs. I replied that help was essential — if we don’t support them in tough times, when should we? Yet, in return, they struck Nakhchivan with such treachery, leaving a stain on their image that will never fade.”
Turkey, Azerbaijan’s key regional ally, swiftly condemned the drone attacks, calling them a violation of sovereignty. The Turkish Ministry affirmed its unwavering support for Baku, stating it would continue to back Azerbaijan in the face of such aggression. Iran has yet to acknowledge responsibility for the strike, though tensions between the nations have escalated in recent weeks.
