BAKU: President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan addressed the nation, asserting the success of the Azerbaijani Army’s counter-offensive operation, known as “Iron Fist,” against Armenian forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The address followed nearly a month of warfare that has seen significant territorial gains for Azerbaijan, restoring control over areas that had been under Armenian occupation for nearly three decades.

According to Trend News Agency, President Aliyev characterized the conflict as a patriotic war aimed at liberating Azerbaijani lands. He emphasized that the Azerbaijani Army’s recent victories have restored historical justice, with Nagorno-Karabakh being described as an ancient Azerbaijani territory. Aliyev criticized the international perception shaped by Armenian lobbying efforts, which he claimed had previously distorted the historical narrative and influenced sanctions against Azerbaijan by the United States Congress.

In his comprehensive address, Aliyev recounted the historical context
surrounding the Nagorno-Karabakh region, including treaties and Soviet-era decisions that kept the region part of Azerbaijan. He accused Armenian authorities and separatists of attempting to alter the region’s demographics and emphasized that Azerbaijani investments in infrastructure were met with separatist movements supported by external forces.

Aliyev expressed dissatisfaction with the international community’s response, particularly the Minsk Group’s handling of the conflict, accusing the co-chairing countries of failing to pressure Armenia into withdrawing from the occupied territories. He stated that the ceasefire agreements had been repeatedly violated by Armenia, undermining efforts for peaceful resolution.

Furthermore, President Aliyev highlighted the military achievements since the conflict’s resurgence, listing the destruction and capture of substantial Armenian military equipment. He raised concerns about Armenia’s military resupply and questioned the source of its funding, urging international
scrutiny.

Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s stance on resolving the conflict through military-political means, stating that the future of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh as Azerbaijani citizens would be addressed post-conflict. He called for the removal of Armenian forces and emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to restoring its territorial integrity.

The President concluded by announcing the liberation of several settlements across multiple districts, reaffirming Azerbaijan’s determination and unity in reclaiming its lands.