Azerbaijan has accused Iran of launching a drone attack targeting its Nakhchivan exclave on Thursday, March 5, 2026, escalating tensions between the two countries. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry stated that at least two drones originating from Iranian territory struck the region, damaging an airport terminal and injuring two civilians, according to a statement released by the ministry. Iran has denied responsibility for the attack, as reported by the Associated Press.
The incident centers on Nakhchivan, an autonomous republic of Azerbaijan geographically separated from the rest of the country by Armenia and bordering Iran and Turkey. The alleged drone strikes occurred around midday local time, with one drone hitting the terminal building of Nakhchivan International Airport and another impacting near a school in the village of Shakarabad, the Azerbaijani government claims. This attack on critical infrastructure raises concerns about regional stability and the potential for further escalation.
Details of the Alleged Attack
Azerbaijani authorities have condemned the attacks as a violation of international law and a deliberate attempt to increase regional tensions. The Foreign Ministry has summoned Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Dermichilu to convey a “strong protest” and present a diplomatic note demanding a clear explanation and assurances that such incidents will not be repeated. Azerbaijan reserves the right to take “appropriate response measures,” according to the statement. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry also placed full responsibility for the incident on Iran.
Video footage circulating on social media, reportedly showing the aftermath of the attack at Nakhchivan International Airport, has been geolocated and verified by Daily Sabah. The videos depict a drone impacting a building, followed by an explosion and the emergence of smoke and flames. Still, verification of video evidence from the village of Shakarabad, as reported by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, remains unconfirmed.
In response to the alleged attack, Azerbaijani authorities announced the closure of its southern airspace for 12 hours on Thursday afternoon. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev also signaled the possibility of retaliation in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Regional Context and Diplomatic Response
The incident occurs against a backdrop of complex geopolitical dynamics in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan has maintained a neutral position in ongoing regional conflicts, a stance noted by Daily Sabah. Notably, President Aliyev recently expressed condolences at the Iranian embassy in Baku following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, a gesture described as signaling Baku’s disinterest in confrontation.
The timing of the alleged attack is also significant, coming after the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The incident raises questions about potential motivations and whether it represents a deliberate escalation by Iran or a miscalculation.
Further complicating the situation, tensions between Azerbaijan and Iran have been simmering in recent months, fueled by concerns over Iranian military exercises near the Azerbaijani border and accusations of Iranian support for Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Here’s a video report on the incident:
And here’s another report:
What to Watch Next
The immediate focus will be on Iran’s response to Azerbaijan’s demands for an explanation and assurances. The international community is likely to call for de-escalation and a thorough investigation into the incident. The next steps will involve diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and to establish a clear understanding of the events that transpired. The situation remains fluid and continued monitoring of developments in the region is crucial.
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