Baku Reacts to Iran’s Call for Probe into Israeli Attacks from Azerbaijani Airspace
Iran Warns Baku about Appropriating ‘Western Azerbaijan,’ Says ‘Red Lines’ Still Remain on ‘Zangezur Corridor’
Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia Mehdi Sobhani confirmed to reporters on Friday that his country has called on Baku to conduct a thorough investigation into whether Israeli drones entered Iranian airspace from Azerbaijan.
During a press conference at the National Press Club in Yerevan, Sobhani, said that Iranian intelligence has received information indicating that a small number of Israeli drones crossed into Iran from neighboring countries, particularly Azerbaijan. As a result, he said, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian raised the issue in a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, requesting a serious investigation.
“We have received reports that a limited number of drones entered Iranian airspace from neighboring countries. This prompted our president to ask Mr. Aliyev for a thorough inquiry,” Sobhani said. He added that Iran’s response would largely depend on the results of the investigation.
Sobhani noted that Azerbaijan has assured Iran that it would not allow its territory to be used against the Islamic Republic.
However, he emphasized the unpredictable nature of Israel’s actions.
“We all know that the Israeli regime does not abide by any rules or laws. There is a possibility they may have taken advantage of the situation, but we need clear information before making any assessments,” Sobhani said.
Iranian media first reported about Pezeshkian’s request from Aliyev on Thursday.
Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry characterized Sobhani’s statements as “baseless and provocative,” condemning the Iranian diplomat.
“We categorically reject the baseless and provocative statements by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, concerning the alleged use of Azerbaijani territory for operations against Iran — specifically, the claim that Israeli drones carried out attacks from Azerbaijani soil,” a statement from Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry said on Friday.
“These accusations harm the relations between Azerbaijan and Iran, which are based on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as non-interference in internal affairs,” said Baku.
“Azerbaijan categorically denies any claims that its airspace or territory has been used by any state to conduct military operations against the neighboring Islamic Republic of Iran or any other country. These allegations are unfounded and lack credible evidence,” official Baku insisted, accusing Sobhani of “repeatedly” demonstrating a “pro-Armenian position.”
Sobhani on Friday also said that Iran categorically rejects any claim to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Armenia, when asked about a statement adopted last week by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, which largely parrots Baku’s claims that portions of Armenia are “Western Azerbaijan.”
“Any false and untrue wording that may reflect the territorial claims of one country to another are unacceptable to us,” Sobhani said. “The use of this fabricated and false wording contradicts peaceful coexistence and good neighborliness in the region.Therefore, the use of such wording should be avoided.”
“‘Western Azerbaijan’ is the name of one of the provinces of the Republic of Iran. It cannot be used to name any other geographical area, especially if it implies any form of territorial claims,” Sobhani emphasized.
He said Iran promotes dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“We call on the [two] parties to sign a peace agreement, the provisions of which have already been agreed upon by the parties,” Sobhani said.
“We recommend that such self-proclaimed historical claims not be used to hinder the establishment of peace in the region,” Sobhani added.
The Iranian diplomat also reiterated his country’s strong opposition to the scheme initiated by Baku to create a so-called land “corridor” through Armenia that would connect Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan.
“The corridor, which is called ‘Zangezur,’ does not stem from the interests of Armenia and Iran. For us this is a ‘red line.’ We have repeatedly stated this and continue to adhere to this position,” Sobhani stressed, adding that Iran does not intend to deviate from its red lines.
