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

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

On Thursday, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan ordered the country’s military to reach “full combat readiness,” following an attack by Iran’s drones on the Nakhchivan International Airport’s passenger terminal and a local school. The strike left four civilians injured, prompting Aliyev to call for Iran’s accountability and demand an explanation for the incident. During the Security Council meeting, he stated that those responsible for the attack should be held criminally responsible, while also suggesting the assault was part of a broader pattern of Tehran’s aggression.

Aliyev’s response mirrors his approach during the December 2024 Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 crash, where he accused Russia of downing the aircraft. He reaffirmed that “all necessary instructions” were issued for a coordinated reaction. Hours after the meeting, Azerbaijan suspended cross-border traffic with Iran, signaling a heightened state of alert. The president also highlighted past incidents he claimed were orchestrated by Iran, emphasizing the growing friction between the two nations over the Azerbaijani community in Iran and Azerbaijan’s alliance with Israel.

“The attacks on Azerbaijan will face our Iron Fist,” Aliyev declared, underscoring his firm resolve.

Earlier in the day, the president recounted a significant diplomatic gesture: “Thursday morning, the deputy foreign minister of Iran called Baku and asked Azerbaijan to assist in evacuating Iranian embassy staff remaining in Lebanon because they lacked the means to do so.” “I immediately instructed that assistance be provided and that an aircraft be sent. They even said they were ready to pay for it,” he added. “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.”

Turkey swiftly condemned the drone strikes, with its ministry stating, “We strongly condemn the drone attacks carried out today on Azerbaijan,” and reaffirming its unwavering support for Baku. The nation’s closest regional ally expressed confidence in Azerbaijan’s ability to defend itself against the perceived threat.