Azerbaijan says Iran struck its territory, as war spills over border

Azerbaijan accused Iran of striking its Nakhchivan exclave on Thursday, resulting in damage to the airport and civilian injuries. President Ilham Aliyev condemned the attack as terrorism, demanded an explanation and apology from Iran, and placed Azerbaijani forces on high alert. Iran denied involvement, suggesting a possible Israeli false-flag operation. Aliyev's strong response included unusually harsh criticism of Iran and a statement referencing the large ethnic Azerbaijani population within Iran, a sensitive issue for Tehran. The incident has heightened tensions between the two countries, with Azerbaijan hinting at potential repercussions affecting Iran's internal stability. Nakhchivan's location bordering Iran, Turkey, and Armenia makes it particularly vulnerable in the current climate.

Azerbaijan has vowed to respond after a pair of Iranian drones crossed its border and injured four people in the Nakhchivan exclave on Thursday. The Azerbaijani Defence Ministry stated that it was investigating the types of drones used in the attack and preparing response measures to protect the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Azerbaijan and Iran have tense relations, with Baku's growing ties to Turkey and Israel contributing to tensions. Iran has been retaliating for US and Israeli strikes since Saturday in an air war engulfing the Middle East. The Foreign Ministry demanded that Iran clarify the incident, provide an explanation, and take measures to prevent similar incidents. An Iranian ambassador was summoned to the ministry after a formal note of protest was issued.

Azerbaijan has accused Iran of a "terrorist" drone attack on an airport in Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani exclave bordering Iran, which allegedly injured four civilians. Azerbaijan's president, Ilham Aliyev, has demanded an apology and accountability from Iran, threatening response measures. Iran has denied any involvement in the attack, stating they do not target neighboring countries. The alleged strike is the first Iranian attack on a Caucasus state since the start of the US-Israel war. The incident raises concerns about escalating conflict in the region, particularly given Azerbaijan's growing ties with Israel and its neutral stance in the Middle East.

On March 5, 2026, an airport in Azerbaijan was reportedly targeted in a drone attack suspected to have originated from Iran. According to Azerbaijan's foreign ministry, another drone, also launched from Iran, landed near a school. The attacks resulted in at least two injuries. Eyewitness videos captured the incident at the airport. The motive for the alleged Iranian drone attacks on Azerbaijani territory remains unclear.

An Iranian drone attack targeted Azerbaijan's autonomous Nakhchivan exclave on Thursday, injuring two civilians and causing material damage at the airport. The incident occurred at around 12 noon local time (08:00 GMT) in the terminal building of the airport and another drone fell near a school building in the village of Shakarabad. Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, demanding a clear explanation from Iran and reserving the right to take "appropriate response measures". The incident is part of the ongoing war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran. Nakhchivan was previously part of a historic peace deal signed last year between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which has long been opposed by Iran due to concerns about its potential impact on regional security.