Drones Hit Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Region Near Iranian Border, 2 Injured

"Azerbaijan reserves the right to respond. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry condemned the attack, saying it would only increase tensions in the region linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Iran's ambassador to Azerbaijan has been summoned to the ministry in Baku to explain the incident."

"Despite its trade and defense ties with Israel, Azerbaijani officials have repeatedly said the country will not allow its territory or airspace to be used by any country to launch military operations against neighboring Iran or any other state."

"This drone attack on Nakhchivan airport is either an accident or a sign that there is larger escalation in the region. Right now, Iran has no reason to strike Azerbaijan, because neither Azerbaijan nor Turkey has been part of the war. There are millions of Azerbaijanis living in Iran, and Tehran would not want to provoke them."

Drones originating from Iran struck Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan autonomous region on March 5, with one hitting Nakhchivan Airport and another landing near a school in Shekerabad, injuring two people. Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack, summoned Iran's ambassador to explain the incident, and stated the country reserves the right to respond. The ministry warned the attack would increase regional tensions amid the ongoing Iran-Israel-U.S. conflict. Despite Azerbaijan's strategic defense partnership with Israel and oil trade ties, Azerbaijani officials maintain the country will not permit its territory for military operations against Iran or other states. Analysts suggest the drone strike may represent either an accident or signal of broader regional escalation.

Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty