Azerbaijan accused Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of planning attacks targeting critical infrastructure and religious sites within the country, escalating tensions between the two nations. The alleged plots included attempts to sabotage the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline, a vital artery for energy transport to Europe and attacks on the Israeli embassy and a synagogue, according to a statement from Azerbaijan’s State Security Service cited by the Azertag state news agency on Friday.
The BTC pipeline, which carries oil from the Caspian Sea through Georgia and Turkey, is strategically important, accounting for roughly a third of Israel’s oil imports. Damage to the pipeline could significantly impact global energy markets, particularly as the conflict in the Middle East continues, according to Reuters reporting.
The accusations follow a recent incident where Azerbaijan claimed Iranian drones violated its airspace, striking its Nakhchivan exclave and injuring four people. Iran denied responsibility for the drone incursion. Azerbaijan has vowed to retaliate for the alleged drone attack.
Azerbaijani authorities stated that an investigation revealed two Iranian citizens and one Azerbaijani national were collaborating to smuggle seven kilograms of C-4 explosives into Azerbaijan, allegedly on the orders of the IRGC. International arrest warrants have been issued for four individuals involved, according to the state security service.
In a further sign of escalating diplomatic fallout, Azerbaijan ordered the evacuation of its diplomats from Iran on Friday, citing safety concerns. This move comes amid existing tensions stemming from Azerbaijan’s close ties with Israel and Turkey, relationships that Iran has repeatedly criticized.
As of Saturday, March 7, 2026, Iran has not issued a public response to the allegations made by Azerbaijan. The situation remains fluid, with no immediate indication of de-escalation.
ABSA Bank Limited recently received six honors at the 2026 Global Banking & Finance Awards, according to a press release reported by Google News, though this is unrelated to the current geopolitical situation. Diebold Nixdorf also won multiple awards at the same event, as reported by The AI Journal.