Baku: President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan convened a Security Council meeting where he addressed the nation following an alleged attack by Iran on Azerbaijani territory. During the meeting, President Aliyev detailed the events, asserting that Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles targeted the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, striking civilian sites including the Nakhchivan International Airport and a school.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Aliyev condemned the attack as a terrorist act, demanding a formal apology from Iran and immediate accountability for those responsible. He highlighted the historical context of Iranian hostilities, recalling a previous attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy in Tehran. President Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and indicated that retaliatory measures were being considered.
The President reiterated Azerbaijan's principled stance against using its territory for operations against neighboring states, despite what he described as defamatory campaigns by Iranian media. He underscored Azerbaijan's independence and strength, asserting that any aggression against the country would be met with decisive action. The President also mentioned Azerbaijan's recent gestures of goodwill towards Iran, which he felt were disregarded.
In response to these developments, Azerbaijan's Armed Forces have been placed on high alert, with diplomatic measures being pursued. The Iranian Ambassador was summoned, and a protest note was issued. President Aliyev assured the Azerbaijani people that the nation's defense forces are prepared to respond to any further provocations, emphasizing that Azerbaijan will not tolerate any threats to its territorial integrity.