Azerbaijan has vowed military retaliation following an Iranian drone strike that damaged an airport in Nakhchivan and injured four civilians, escalating regional tensions just days after Iran's leadership crisis.
Two drones struck targets near the Iranian border on March 5, according to reports verified by Reuters. One hit the terminal at Nakhchivan airport, located just ten kilometers from Iran, while another fell near a school in a nearby village. Video footage showed black smoke rising from the damaged terminal.
President Ilham Aliyev characterized the attack as "a groundless act of terror and aggression" and indicated military preparations for a response. Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense warned that "these acts of aggression will not remain unanswered," while the Foreign Ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to demand explanations.
Tehran has denied any involvement in the strike, rejecting connection to the incident. The denial comes amid significant internal turmoil following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, raising questions about whether the attack represents hardliner retaliation or a breakdown in command control.
The timing proves particularly volatile. Azerbaijan has deepened ties with Israel and the United States in recent years, purchasing Israeli weapons systems and hosting intelligence cooperation that has long concerned Tehran. President recently brokered peace agreements between and , further strengthening 's Western alignment.
