Aliyev vows attacks on Azerbaijan ‘will face our Iron Fist’ after Iran drone strike

Azerbaijan’s President Vows Strong Response to Iran’s Drone Attacks

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has directed the nation’s military into full alert status following a recent drone strike by Iran. The attack targeted the passenger terminal of Nakhchivan International Airport and a rural school, resulting in four civilian injuries. The Security Council convened on Thursday, with Aliyev emphasizing the need for Iran to take responsibility for the incident.

Aliyev stated that Iran must issue an apology and provide clear explanations for the attack, vowing that those responsible will face “the Iron Fist” of Azerbaijani retaliation. He highlighted that this strike was not an isolated event, citing a pattern of Iranian actions against Azerbaijani interests. This approach mirrors his response to the Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 crash in December 2024, where he directly blamed Russia for the incident.

Azerbaijan Halts Cross-Border Traffic with Iran

Hours after the Security Council meeting, Azerbaijan suspended cross-border movement with Iran, signaling a shift in diplomatic relations. Aliyev reiterated that the country remains committed to non-aggression, despite escalating tensions with Tehran. He also referenced past attacks attributed to Iran, underscoring the ongoing conflict over the Azerbaijani community in Iran.

“I immediately instructed that assistance be provided and that an aircraft be sent. They even said they were ready to pay for it. I said it was not necessary — if we do not help in difficult times, when should we help? And in return for all this, to strike Nakhchivan in such a treacherous and dishonorable manner? This stain will never be erased from their disgraceful image,”

Aliyev’s remarks included a notable anecdote about an earlier interaction with Iran. During a Thursday morning call, the deputy foreign minister of Iran sought Azerbaijani help in evacuating embassy staff stranded in Lebanon due to logistical challenges. Aliyev’s willingness to assist, despite the subsequent strike, emphasized his strategic approach to diplomacy.

Turkey, Azerbaijan’s key regional ally, swiftly condemned the drone assaults. A ministry statement called the attacks “treacherous” and affirmed Ankara’s continued support for Baku, reaffirming their longstanding partnership. The incident has further strained relations between Iran and Azerbaijan, with both sides vying for influence over the Azerbaijani diaspora and regional alliances.