Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Airport was targeted by a drone strike attributed to Iran, as confirmed by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The attack resulted in injuries to two civilians, prompting a formal condemnation from the Azerbaijani government.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the assault contravenes international law and escalates regional tensions. In a statement, officials demanded that Iran clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and take immediate measures to prevent future occurrences. Azerbaijan reserves the right to respond appropriately.
“We require the Islamic Republic of Iran to clarify this matter promptly and to take necessary and urgent actions to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Azerbaijani side reserves the right to take appropriate measures in response,” the ministry emphasized.
The Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Derikchi, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to receive a note of protest and express Azerbaijan’s strong objections.
Reports indicate that an Iranian drone struck the airport, with video footage circulating online showing the moment of impact. It has been noted that one of the drones crashed into a terminal at Nakhchivan Airport, while others fell in different locations, including near a school.
On March 5, regional media outlet OC Media reported that Azerbaijan heightened its military readiness and deployed troops along the border with Iran. The country also reinforced its air defense systems, particularly against drone threats. All leaves for soldiers, sergeants, and officers were canceled, and those already on leave were recalled to duty.
In a broader context, military operations involving Israel and the United States against Iran have intensified. On February 28, Israel launched an attack on Tehran, which was followed by a statement from then-President Donald Trump announcing a significant military operation aimed at neutralizing perceived threats from the Iranian regime. Trump accused Iran of financing and training militants in various conflict zones.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones toward Israel and attacked U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In light of these developments, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for the Iranian people in their struggle against what he termed a “terrorist regime” and advocated for their security.
On February 28, Trump announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). The following day, the IRGC declared the commencement of a major offensive operation against Israel and U.S. military bases, with Trump warning of a strong retaliatory response.
On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of military operations against Iran would be even more destructive. By March 3, sources reported that Iran’s Assembly of Experts had elected a new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the deceased Ali Khamenei.
The drone attack on Nakhchivan Airport, attributed to Iran, has escalated tensions between Azerbaijan and Iran. Azerbaijan's government condemned the strike, which injured civilians, and has taken steps to bolster military readiness along the border.