The international community has condemned Iran’s drone strikes on Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan, as tensions between the neighbors escalate. Several Gulf states and European countries warned the attacks risk further destabilization of an already volatile region. Qatar called it an “act of hostility,” Saudi Arabia an “unjustifiable hostile stance,” and Kuwait a violation of international law.
France, Lithuania, and other EU states expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister stated Iran represents a regional and global threat.
The attack injured four civilians, with drones striking near a school and Nakhchivan International Airport. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev accused Tehran of an “act of terror” and vowed an “Iron Fist” against future attacks. Aliyev noted Azerbaijan had aided Iranian diplomats' evacuation shortly before the strike, calling it a betrayal.
Azerbaijan has placed its army on “full combat readiness” and is consulting international partners. Diplomatic staff and cross-border traffic with Iran have been affected. UN personnel and their families were evacuated from Tehran amid growing security concerns.
This incident is one of the most serious direct attacks on Azerbaijani territory in years, raising fears the conflict could spill into other South Caucasus areas. Iran has not claimed responsibility, a claim Azerbaijan rejects based on evidence.