Azerbaijan and Iran are facing a deepening crisis following an alleged drone attack on Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan enclave, prompting a direct appeal for restraint from Russia. The incident, which Baku claims involved drones launched from Iranian territory, has led to accusations of “terrorism” from Azerbaijan and denials from Tehran.
According to Azerbaijani authorities, the attack on Thursday targeted the Nakhchivan International Airport and a school in the village of Shakarabad, resulting in damage to airport infrastructure and injuries to two civilians. President Ilham Aliyev has demanded an official apology and prosecution of those responsible, characterizing the strikes as a deliberate act of aggression. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denied any involvement, stating that an internal investigation is underway.
The escalating tensions prompted a swift diplomatic intervention from Moscow. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova urged both Azerbaijan and Iran to exercise caution and refrain from “any rash steps” that could further destabilize the region, emphasizing the importance of good neighborly relations. Zakharova also linked the current crisis to broader regional security concerns, specifically citing the recent strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28th, which she described as “extremely dangerous” developments. She stated that Moscow holds those responsible for the initial attacks and their supporters, directly accountable for the current situation.
The drone strikes come amid existing geopolitical tensions between Baku, and Tehran. Recent reports indicate a history of disagreements regarding security and geopolitical issues in the region. The incident also raises concerns about potential disruptions to trade routes between Europe and Asia, according to analysts.
Russia has offered to assist in de-escalating the situation and facilitating a return to political processes, but as of Saturday, neither Baku nor Tehran has publicly responded to Moscow’s call for restraint. The Azerbaijani government has closed its airspace for twelve hours as a precautionary measure, and the investigation into the drone attack remains ongoing.
