In a tense series of events beginning March 5, Azerbaijan faced drone attacks from Iranian territory targeting Nakhchivan, prompting immediate diplomatic outrage from Jeyhun Bayramov, condemnation from regional and global leaders, solidarity from countries including Türkiye, Georgia, Pakistan, the UAE, and the EU, as well as international organizations, while Iran vowed to investigate, and Azerbaijan took urgent protective measures for its diplomats and civilians, highlighting escalating regional tensions. 

Iran Launches Investigation and Expresses Concern for Injured Civilians

On March 5, Seyid Abbas Araghchi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, held a phone conversation with Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. During the call, Bayramov strongly condemned the drone attacks carried out from Iranian territory against Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and expressed a firm protest regarding the incident, according to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He emphasized that the attacks on Azerbaijani territory contradict the norms and principles of international law and contribute to increasing tensions in the region.

Araghchi expressed concern over the drone strikes targeting the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and stated that the Iranian side, including military authorities, had launched an investigation into the incident. The Iranian minister also wished a speedy recovery to the civilians injured in the attack.

The Azerbaijani side conveyed that it expects an apology from Iran for the incident, as well as a prompt explanation regarding the results of the investigation and the adoption of necessary measures to prevent similar cases from occurring in the future.

Azerbaijan Moves Diplomats Out of Iran

On March 6, Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, stated at a press briefing in Baku with Mihai Popsoi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, that the Iranian side had promised to conduct a thorough investigation into the drone attack on the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic that occurred the previous day.

Bayramov noted that the issue had been discussed during a telephone conversation with the Iranian foreign minister. "Yesterday, during a telephone conversation with the head of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, we seriously discussed this issue. The Iranian side promised to investigate the matter, and we are awaiting the results," he stated.

He added that the President of Azerbaijan had given the necessary instructions following the incident. According to the minister, diplomatic measures had already been taken, including the delivery of a formal protest note and direct communication with his Iranian counterpart. Bayramov emphasized that the investigation initiated by the Iranian side forms part of the broader process surrounding the incident and reiterated that Azerbaijan’s security remains under the strict control of the head of state.

The minister also noted that Azerbaijan is withdrawing its diplomats from Iran for their own safety. He said Azerbaijan is evacuating employees from its embassy in Tehran and its consulate general in Tabriz.

Azerbaijani MP: "Azerbaijan Is Not Alone; It Has Allies, And Together They Will Respond Appropriately"

On March 5, Fazil Mustafa, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Associations and Religious Institutions of Azerbaijan, stated that recent developments in the Middle East clearly demonstrate the risks posed by Iran’s strategy toward neighboring states. According to him, missile and drone attacks carried out by Iran against friendly or neutral countries have disrupted regional peace and caused serious damage.

Mustafa emphasized that by expanding the scope of such operations, Iran targeted Azerbaijan, despite the country’s constructive approach toward Tehran. He noted that the incident occurred shortly after Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, visited the Iranian embassy to express condolences, describing the gesture as an act of friendship and humanity. "Less than a day later, Iran responded with hostility, which will create problems for it. Azerbaijan is not alone; it has allies, and together they will respond appropriately to Iran's hostile actions," Mustafa stated.

The lawmaker also stressed that the attack contradicts the will of many Azerbaijanis living in Iran. He noted that such actions could provoke strong reactions among Azerbaijanis residing there and emphasized that Azerbaijan must take appropriate steps in response.

Mustafa added that Azerbaijan strongly condemns the actions of Iran’s ruling authorities. "We view this as an unfriendly and openly hostile act. It is unacceptable to treat it as a mistake or misunderstanding. Such actions are not forgiven," he emphasized.

Discussions with Regional Powers

On March 5, Maka Botchorishvili, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia, held a telephone conversation with Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. During the call, Botchorishvili expressed deep concern over the drone attack in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, which caused injuries to several civilians. She emphasized the importance of ensuring peace and stability in the region. The ministers also reaffirmed the strength of the strategic and friendly relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia also issued a statement condemning the attack and emphasizing that actions violating international law and increasing regional tensions are unacceptable. "Considering the strong friendship and strategic partnership between Georgia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia expresses solidarity with fraternal Azerbaijan in this difficult situation," the statement read.

Türkiye strongly condemned the drone strikes. In a statement, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the need to immediately halt such attacks, warning that actions targeting countries in the region increase the risk of the conflict spreading. "Türkiye will continue to stand by Azerbaijan, as it always has," the statement read. Syria also condemned the incident, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating that Iran’s attempt to strike Azerbaijan and Türkiye using drones and ballistic missiles constitutes a violation of state sovereignty and threatens regional and international stability. The ministry expressed solidarity with both countries and called on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities in ensuring peace and security.

On the same day, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Türkiye, held a phone conversation with Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan. Erdoğan condemned the drone attack carried out by Iran and expressed support for the Azerbaijani people. Aliyev thanked him for the call and for Türkiye’s position. Irakli Kobakhidze, the Prime Minister of Georgia, also spoke with Aliyev by phone, strongly condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with Azerbaijan. During the conversation, Kobakhidze wished a speedy recovery to those injured and the two sides also discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation.

Military officials also discussed the incident. Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan, and Yasar Guler, the Minister of National Defense of Türkiye, held a phone conversation during which they discussed the drone attacks carried out from Iranian territory against Nakhchivan International Airport and other civilian infrastructure. The ministers also exchanged views on regional security and bilateral defense relations.

On March 5, Bayramov also held a phone conversation with Ararat Mirzoyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. During the call, Bayramov informed his counterpart about the drone attacks on Nakhchivan and the resulting damage to civilian infrastructure and injuries to civilians. The ministers exchanged views on the situation in the region and emphasized the importance of avoiding actions that could further escalate tensions while ensuring stability and security.

On March 6, Ali Asadov, the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, held a telephone conversation with Cevdet Yılmaz, the Vice President of Türkiye. During the call, the sides expressed strong protest over the drone attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Azerbaijan on March 5, emphasizing that such actions contradict the norms and principles of international law. Asadov stated that the drone strikes targeted several locations in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, including Nakhchivan International Airport and a school, which resulted in injuries to civilians and damage to the airport’s terminal building. The officials also highlighted that Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Türkiye, immediately contacted Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, following the incident to convey support for the Azerbaijani people. According to them, this gesture demonstrated the strong brotherhood and solidarity between the two countries. Asadov further expressed gratitude to the Turkish side for its prompt assistance in organizing temporary flights to Iğdır Airport to ensure the safety of air traffic to Nakhchivan under the current circumstances. The conversation also covered other relevant issues related to the situation.

Discussions with International Powers

Several international officials and governments condemned the attack. Andrii Sybiha, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, wrote on X that Iran’s actions demonstrate that the regime in Tehran represents a global threat. "We condemn Iran's strike on Azerbaijan, which follows its reckless attacks on countries in the Middle East and Europe," he stated, adding that Iranian drones had also been supplied to Russia for use against Ukraine. Sybiha emphasized that the Iranian regime and its "terrorist allies, including Russia," pose a serious threat to international security and called for consolidated international efforts to neutralize these risks.

On March 5, Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, stated during a phone call with Bakhtiyor Saidov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, that Iran must promptly clarify the drone attack carried out against the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. He emphasized that Azerbaijan expects Tehran to provide an explanation in a short period of time and take urgent measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Margus Tsakhna, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan, stating that the attacks damaging the airport and injuring civilians represent "a blatant violation of international law and the sovereignty of states." Similarly, Mihai Popsoi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, stated that his country strongly condemns the attacks on civilian infrastructure in Nakhchivan and reaffirms its support for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Several other leaders also expressed their positions through phone conversations with the Azerbaijani leadership. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, condemned the drone attacks during a call with Ilham Aliyev and expressed full support for Azerbaijan. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan, also condemned the attack, calling it an act committed against "brotherly and allied Azerbaijan," while expressing hope that the incident would be thoroughly investigated and resolved through diplomatic means.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, also spoke with Aliyev, condemning the drone attack and wishing those injured a speedy recovery. During the conversation, the UAE leader thanked Azerbaijan for its support during Iran’s missile attacks on the UAE, while Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s solidarity with the UAE. The leaders also discussed issues of mutual interest.

Officials from other countries expressed their positions as well. Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, emphasized the EU’s full solidarity with Azerbaijan, stating that Iranian drone strikes on Nakhchivan are "completely unacceptable" and increase the risk of the conflict expanding beyond the Middle East. Gideon Saar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, also spoke with Bayramov and condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with Azerbaijan.

Several international organizations and foreign ministries issued statements condemning the attack. France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the strike on Nakhchivan International Airport and wished those injured a quick recovery. Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys, stated that the Iranian drone attack on civilian infrastructure represents a blatant violation of international law and warned that such aggression risks further escalation.

The Kingdom of Bahrain also condemned the attacks on Azerbaijan and Türkiye, describing them as a "flagrant violation" of international law and the principles of good neighborliness. The Bahraini Foreign Ministry expressed solidarity with both countries and called for an end to what it described as "unjustified and provocative acts of aggression."

International institutions also reacted to the incident. Stéphane Dujarric, the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated that the United Nations is "very concerned and deeply troubled" by the drone attack, describing it as a clear violation of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and calling on Iran to comply with international law and the UN Charter. The UN Mission in Azerbaijan also expressed solidarity with those affected and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Sabina Aliyeva, the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Azerbaijan, strongly condemned the drone attack targeting civilian facilities in Nakhchivan, noting that the strikes hit the airport terminal building and an area near a school in Shakarabad village. She emphasized that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure represent a gross violation of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, and called on the international community to respond to what she described as a deliberate act of aggression. Aliyeva stressed the importance of a prompt investigation, accountability for those responsible, and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Beate Meinl-Reisinger, the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria, also held a phone conversation with Bayramov. During the discussion, the Azerbaijani minister briefed the Austrian side about the drone strikes, emphasizing that the attack represents a serious violation of international law and contributes to rising regional tensions. Meinl-Reisinger condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan, while also stressing the importance of preventing further escalation and strengthening diplomatic efforts.

On March 6, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates issued a statement strongly condemning the Iranian drone strikes against Azerbaijan, describing them as a dangerous escalation and a gross violation of state sovereignty that threatens regional security and stability. The Hungarian Embassy in Baku also condemned the attack, calling it an unacceptable violation of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and international law while expressing solidarity with the Azerbaijani government and people.

On March 6, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, held a phone conversation with Ilham Aliyev, strongly condemning Iran’s military attack and expressing full solidarity with Azerbaijan. He emphasized that Pakistan stands with the Azerbaijani state and army and that Azerbaijan can always rely on Pakistan. Aliyev thanked the Pakistani leader for the support, noting that the strong condemnation once again reflects the friendship and brotherhood between the two countries. Both leaders emphasized that Azerbaijan and Pakistan will continue to stand by each other and provide mutual support in both favorable and difficult times.