Category: Azer News

On March 5, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi made a phone call to Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

During the telephone conversation, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov strongly condemned the drone attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran on the territory of Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, expressing strong protest against these attacks. He emphasized that these attacks on Azerbaijani territory contradict the norms and principles of international law, and serve to exacerbate tension in the region.

Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi expressed his concern over the drone attacks on the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, noting that the Iranian side and the military have launched an investigation into this incident. The Iranian minister wished a speedy recovery to the injured civilians.

FM Bayramov underlined that Azerbaijan expects Iran to issue an apology regarding the attack, provide, within the shortest possible timeframe, an explanation regarding the outcomes of the investigation, and take urgent measures to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke at the ‘Mehmetçik Iftar Program’ held at the Special Forces Command, praising the Turkish Armed Forces and emphasizing the nation’s enduring strength in the face of historical and contemporary challenges.

Erdogan reflected on Turkiye’s long history of resilience, noting that throughout the centuries, there have always been those who sought to limit the Turkish nation’s potential. ‘We have succeeded in breaking these dirty and treacherous hands, one by one, despite all the impossibilities. Today, Turkiye stands as an island of stability amid a ring of fire surrounding us,’ he said, highlighting the deterrent power of the Turkish Armed Forces. He added, ‘If we had listened to those who said, ‘Don’t conduct missile tests, the fish get scared,’ we would never have achieved this.’

Addressing the country’s historical legacy, Erdogan said, ‘When our homeland, flag, independence, and sacred values are threatened, when our sovereignty and future are at risk, we have repeatedly demonstrated what kind of nation we are across our millennia-long history on this land.’

During his address, Erdogan congratulated soldiers observing Ramadan, wishing that God allow everyone to reach the holiday in good health and happiness with their families. He expressed his pleasure in sharing the holy month with the elite members of Turkiye’s Special Forces, calling it a privilege to be among those he described as ‘heroes of the homeland.’ ‘May your fasts be accepted,’ Erdogan added.

He further honored the service of all Turkish military personnel stationed across the nation, risking their lives to protect the country. ‘May God assist all our security forces-soldiers, police, gendarmerie, village guards, and intelligence officers. May He protect them from every accident, calamity, attack, and betrayal, and may our armed forces always remain victorious,’ Erdogan said.

The President commemorated all fallen soldiers, remembering them with prayers for their souls and blessings for their resting places. He specifically mentioned Major Blent Albayrak, Major Murat Kemal Yetisen, Captain Ertug Gler, Captain Burak Coskun, First Lieutenant Enes Demir, 15 July hero Senior Sergeant Ömer Halisdemir, Senior Sergeant Harun Turhan, Specialist Sergeant Nurettin Tokyrek, Specialist Sergeant Murat Yildirim, Specialist Sergeant Selçuk Paker, and all other heroes whose names are etched in the hearts of 86 million citizens. Erdogan also expressed gratitude to surviving veterans and wished them long and prosperous lives.

‘We are followers of a faith that tells us martyrs do not die; rather, they live on to inspire us. Their sacred souls will guide us and illuminate our path in the nation’s blessed journey,’ Erdogan said, praising the elite Special Forces Command, the ‘Maroon Berets’, for their legendary achievements in both domestic operations and cross-border missions.

Erdogan reflected on the bravery and dedication of these soldiers, quoting lines from Niyazi Yildirim Gençosmanoglu to illustrate their courage and selflessness:

‘This earth is a battlefield, the heart does not love every arena. The coward has a blanket, give the field to the brave. O empty-hearted, flashy on the outside, dirty-handed, rusty-faced, may the generation of Asim come and make the field narrow for you.’

He congratulated the Maroon Berets and all members of this elite corps for their unmatched courage.

Highlighting the close connection between the Turkish people and their military, Erdogan said, ‘Throughout our thousand-year history, we have repeatedly shown what kind of nation we are when our homeland, flag, independence, and sacred values were threatened. Those who tried to brand us as the ‘sick man,’ those who thought they could remove us from this land, and those who tried to silence our calls to prayer or lower our flag soaked in the blood of our martyrs-all failed. We first defended Çanakkale, and most recently, during the War of Independence, we broke every dirty hand that reached for our sacred lands. Without this fighting spirit, we could not have lived proudly for over a thousand years in the world’s most turbulent region. Today, Turkiye’s status as a stable island amid surrounding chaos is owed first to our national character, which never accepts subjugation, and second to the deterrence provided by our heroic army.’

Erdogan stressed that Turkiye’s globally recognized political, diplomatic, and economic strength is rooted in the Turkish Armed Forces, which continue to impress worldwide with their training, equipment, discipline, courage, and vision. He emphasized that the military is also a source of security for millions of allies and friends residing across the region.

Recalling the recent inauguration of the largest simulator production and integration facility in Europe at HAVELSAN, Erdogan highlighted Turkiye’s ongoing investments to strengthen the Navy with new platforms and ceremonies marking their commissioning.

He announced that Turkiye’s defense and aerospace exports exceeded $10 billion in 2025, a record achievement. Referring to NATO exercises in Germany, he said, ‘Our Armed Forces not only made us proud but also received great admiration from our allies. If we had listened to those who said, ‘Don’t conduct missile tests,’ none of this would have been possible. Today, I reiterate this point: if we want to live in peace on our eternal homeland, we must constantly increase our deterrence.’

Emphasizing vigilance, Erdogan noted that Turkiye is ready to respond to any threat on its borders or airspace, coordinating closely with NATO allies to prevent incidents. He also reflected on Turkiye’s resilience over the last 23 years, overcoming embargoes, sabotage, and conspiracies to reach levels once unimaginable.

Concluding his address, Erdogan reaffirmed his commitment to the ‘Century of Turkiye’, promising to overcome obstacles, foil conspiracies, and leave a proud legacy for future generations: ‘We will overcome all challenges and leave this country to our children as a source of pride, without falling into the traps set for us.’

Leyla Aliyeva visited the Narimanov Children’s Clinical Hospital of the Republican Pediatric Center.

During the visit, Leyla Aliyeva inquired about the health of children undergoing inpatient treatment with various diagnoses at the hospital, familiarizing herself with their treatment process and the created conditions. She also met with minor patients and their parents, providing them with moral support, and presenting gifts to the children.

Minister of Health Teymur Musayev and Acting Executive Director of TABIB Anar Israfilov briefed Leyla Aliyeva on the activities of the medical facility, the specialized medical services provided, as well as the existing material and technical base. It was mentioned that the Narimanov Children’s Clinical Hospital of the Republican Pediatric Center, operating under TABIB, is the only specialized facility in the country that provides inpatient medical services to children in endocrinology and allergology.

Equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, the facility provides diagnostic and treatment measures, applying a holistic approach focused on restoring and safeguarding patient health.

The exhibition Challenging the Deep, dedicated to deep-sea expeditions and the films of James Cameron, has opened at the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, AzerNEWS reports.

The project was developed in collaboration with the director of Titanic and coincides with the expansion of the museum’s public program.

The exhibition brings together original props from Titanic, including costumes worn by the main characters and the famous ‘Heart of the Ocean’ necklace, as well as cutting-edge technologies designed by Cameron to explore the ocean’s depths. Visitors can sit inside a full-scale replica of the Deepsea Challenger, the submersible in which Cameron made a solo descent nearly 11 kilometers down to the Mariana Trench in 2012, becoming the first person to complete such a dive alone.

‘It’s thrilling to step into the cockpit of the small craft Cameron used to reach the Mariana Trench. You immediately sense how confined it must have felt – for anyone over 180 cm tall, it quickly becomes claustrophobic. Cameron himself is 187 cm tall,’ said project manager Johanna Vepnagard.

Among the highlights is a remotely operated camera system that, for the first time, made it possible to film the interior of the Titanic wreck during the production process. The exhibition also showcases the groundbreaking equipment used to capture actors’ facial expressions underwater in diving helmets for the film The Abyss.

An interesting detail is that Cameron’s work on The Abyss became a turning point in the development of advanced underwater filming technologies. Many of these innovations later contributed not only to cinema but also to real scientific exploration of the deep ocean, blurring the line between filmmaking and marine research.

According to the organizers, the exhibition is designed to attract a younger audience. Despite the obvious similarities between the warship Vasa and the Titanic, the project does not aim to compare the fates of the two wrecks. Instead, it highlights the spirit of exploration, technological innovation, and humanity’s enduring fascination with the unknown.

The Vasa Museum is home to the remarkably well-preserved 64-gun warship Vasa, which sank on August 10, 1628, during its maiden voyage in Stockholm harbor. Today, it stands as one of Europe’s most impressive maritime artifacts and a powerful symbol of Sweden’s naval history.

The exhibition will run until autumn 2027.

On March 5, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

The Prime Minister of Georgia strongly condemned the attack on the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan using unmanned aerial vehicles by the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressing his solidarity with the state and people of Azerbaijan. The Georgian Premier wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked PM Irakli Kobakhidze for the phone call and the position expressed.

During the telephone conversation, the sides also exchanged views on the prospects of Azerbaijan-Georgia bilateral cooperation, as well as issues of mutual interest.

Azerbaijan has a long and rich history, visible in its monuments, mosques, and fortresses.

Preserving these monuments is important to keep Azerbaijani history alive and to strengthen national identity.

In Karabakh, restoration and documentation of these sites are especially significant, as they reflect both the region’s past and its return to the country. Proper documentation and preservation help ensure that future generations can learn about and experience this heritage.

Digital tools now play a big role in this effort. Online platforms, mobile applications, and photo archives make it easier to explore historical sites, access information, and engage with cultural heritage from anywhere. Technology helps bring the past closer to people and ensures that even fragile or remote sites are preserved digitally.

The Gilavar Photo Club has been actively documenting Azerbaijan’s historical and cultural sites. Using professional photography, the club captures monuments across the country and creates a detailed visual archive. Their work helps preserve cultural memory and provides valuable material for researchers, educators, and the public.

After the success of their previous project, “Digital Platform for the Cultural Heritage and Historical Monuments of Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur”, the club started a new initiative: the “IRS” mobile app. This app brings the digital platform to mobile devices, making it easier for users to explore information, view photos, and learn about monuments across Azerbaijan.

This new initiative takes the digital platform a step further, transforming it into a mobile-friendly application that allows users to explore Azerbaijan’s historical, cultural, and archaeological sites from anywhere. With interactive features, detailed information, and a comprehensive photo archive, the app brings heritage directly into people’s hands.

Through categorized regional listings, geographic coordinates, inventory numbers, and curated photographs, users can discover the stories behind each site, fostering both knowledge and appreciation. This integration of technology, photography, and cultural research demonstrates how modern tools can amplify the impact of heritage preservation.

The “IRS” mobile app project promises to make a lasting difference in how Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage is accessed and appreciated.

The project ensures that these treasures are preserved for future generations. It also provides a valuable resource for educators, researchers, and students, facilitating the study of history and culture more interactively and engagingly.

Note that Gilavar Photo Club has been a member of the International Association of Art Photographers (IAAP) since 2017. In 2020, the club was officially designated as Azerbaijan’s representative to the IAAP.

The club comprises over 40 members, including professional photographers, media correspondents, and individuals with significant contributions to the field of photography.

The club’s participants are actively engaged in local and international photo contests.

Gilavar Photo Club maintains an active online presence through its official website, which features sections on news, projects, exhibitions, and member activities.

In 2025, the club launched a mobile application and a digital platform dedicated to the cultural heritage of Garabagh and East Zangazur, reflecting its commitment to technological integration and cultural preservation.

The renowned publication New York Post has reported on the transformation of the Heydar Aliyev Center into a global center for art and culture, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the newspaper, the message is clear for visitors stepping into this unusual and iconic architectural landmark of Baku: the city should be taken seriously as an international cultural destination. “For now, Baku can claim something significant: it has created a cultural destination that competes on the international stage,” the publication writes.

The article particularly highlights several international art projects recently hosted at the Center. These include exhibitions by American hyperrealist sculptor Carole Feuerman, renowned British and Australian sculptors Gillie and Marc Schattner, and Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero, famous for depicting people, animals, and various figures in monumental proportions.

Notably, the Center’s first major art project took place in 2013 with the exhibition “Life, Death and Beauty” by the legendary pop artist Andy Warhol.

“In line with this vision, Baku is positioning itself as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia,” the article notes.

International curators, artists, and cultural figures are increasingly adding Baku to their itineraries.

At the center of this transformation stands the Heydar Aliyev Center, a large-scale contemporary architectural project that has become more than just a building.

RECAP:

Drone attacks on Nakhchivan: On March 5, drones reportedly launched from Iranian territory struck Nakhchivan International Airport and surrounding areas, including near a school in Shekarabad. Four people were injured, two with barotrauma and two with blunt trauma, all in stable condition.

Iranian claims: The Sepah Pasdaran News Channel (IRGC-affiliated) claimed an Arash-2 drone targeted a drone at the airport, describing the area as a site where ‘foreign officers’ were planning attacks on Iran. The channel called it a warning to Azerbaijan, describing the Baku government as a ‘traitor.’

Regional reactions: Saudi Arabia and Qatar condemned the attacks, calling them hostile acts violating international law and threatening regional security. Both countries expressed solidarity with Trkiye and Azerbaijan and supported their right to defend sovereignty and airspace.

Azerbaijan’s response: The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan and the Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes, stating that the attacks targeted civilian infrastructure without military necessity. Authorities emphasized that Iran bears full responsibility and warned that the attacks ‘will not go unanswered.’

Official investigations and diplomatic actions: Azerbaijan summoned the Iranian ambassador, issued a formal protest, and called on Tehran to clarify the incidents. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi denied targeting neighboring countries and called for an investigation of the events.

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Iran’s General Staff of the Armed Forces has denied reports that drones were launched from Iranian territory toward Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

In a statement cited by the Iranian news agency Tasnim, the General Staff rejected allegations that Iranian armed forces had deployed drones targeting the Republic of Azerbaijan.

‘Iran, while respecting the sovereignty of all countries, especially Muslim and neighboring states, denies the launch of drones by its armed forces toward the Republic of Azerbaijan,’ the statement said.

The statement also claimed that such incidents have previously been associated with what it described as attempts by the ‘Zionist regime’ to undermine relations between Muslim countries through various means.

According to the General Staff, initial assessments suggest that the alleged incident may have been carried out in an attempt to falsely accuse the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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Four people were injured at Nakhchivan International Airport following drone attacks reportedly launched from Iranian territory, local authorities said.

The injured were admitted to the Emergency Medical Department of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Hospital.

Sahib Abuzarov, head of the hospital’s emergency department, said that two of the patients sustained barotrauma, while the other two suffered blunt trauma to the back. All four are reported to be in stable condition and have been admitted to the relevant hospital departments for treatment.

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A Telegram channel affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Sepah Pasdaran News Channel, posted claims regarding a drone incident at Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

The post alleges that an Iranian Arash-2 drone targeted a drone at the airport, describing the area as a location where ‘foreign officers were planning attacks on Iranian infrastructure.’

According to the channel, the drone carries a 120 kg warhead and is operated by the Iranian Army Ground Forces.

The post framed the strike as a ‘warning’ to Azerbaijan, referring to the Baku government as a ‘traitor’ and characterizing the action as a message to external adversaries.

The post reads:

“The drone that was at the Nakhchivan Airport, specifically in a section where Zionist regime and American officers were planning and managing attacks on our country’s infrastructure, was crushed by an Arash-2 drone. The enemy sees this for themselves and must know that Iran does not joke or compromise with any party. With a 120 kg warhead and very high destructive power, it is utilized by the Army Ground Force. This was only a warning shot to the mercenary regime and the traitor of Baku.

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Saudi Arabia and Qatar have strongly condemned Iran’s recent attacks targeting Trkiye and Azerbaijan, describing the actions as hostile violations of international law and a threat to regional stability, AzerNEWS reports.

According to statements released by their foreign ministries, Saudi Arabia denounced what it described as Iran’s attempts to target both the Republic of Trkiye and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Riyadh characterized the actions as hostile acts that violate international law and internationally accepted norms.

In its statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the attacks demonstrate an unjustifiable hostile stance.

‘These cowardly attempts against both countries demonstrate a hostile position that cannot be justified under any circumstances,’ the ministry stated.

Saudi Arabia also warned that Iran’s repeated actions against countries in the region risk escalating tensions and undermining regional security and stability.

The statement emphasized that the government and people of the Kingdom stand in full solidarity with Trkiye and Azerbaijan. Riyadh reaffirmed its support for both countries’ right to defend their security, airspace, territorial integrity, and citizens, while also praising ongoing efforts aimed at preventing further escalation and maintaining regional stability.

Meanwhile, Qatar also strongly condemned Iran’s actions, particularly the drone attack targeting an airport in Azerbaijan.

In a statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said the targeting of Trkiye with a ballistic missile and the attack on an airport in Azerbaijan using Iranian drones constitute hostile acts.

Doha described the incidents as a dangerous escalation and a clear violation of state sovereignty, warning that such actions pose a direct threat to regional peace and stability.

The ministry reiterated Qatar’s full solidarity with Trkiye and Azerbaijan and expressed its support for all measures both countries may take to protect their sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

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Another video has been released showing an Iranian drone landing near a school.

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Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, has addressed reports indicating that drones struck Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan.

He stated that Tehran does not target neighboring countries and emphasized that the incident should be thoroughly investigated. In an interview with AnewZ, Gharibabadi reiterated that only those countries hosting military bases for their adversaries would be targeted.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has responded to reports that drones struck Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan, saying Tehran does not target neighbouring countries and that the incident must be investigated.

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The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan has condemned drone attacks carried out from Iranian territory targeting civilian infrastructure in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, AzerNEWS reports.

In a statement released on March 5, the ministry said the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran launched unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks against Nakhchivan International Airport and other civilian sites in the exclave.

According to the statement, the drones were deployed from Iranian territory. Authorities noted that the technical parameters of the UAVs and the full details of the attacks are currently under investigation.

The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry strongly condemned the strikes, emphasizing that the attacks targeted civilian infrastructure and were carried out despite the absence of any military necessity.

‘The Islamic Republic of Iran bears full responsibility for the incident,’ the statement said.

The ministry added that Azerbaijan is preparing the necessary response measures to safeguard its territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as to ensure the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Officials also stressed that the attacks will not go unanswered.

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The UAVs that fell in Nakhchivan are reported to be Iranian-made Arash-2 UAVs.

We will provide official information as it becomes available.

The DIO Arash, Arash 2 is an Iranian long-range one-way attack drone in the Islamic Republic of Iran’s military service since 2020. It has a 2,000 km strike range and carries a 150 kg warhead.

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We have photos taken from the scene following the drone attack on Nakhchivan International Airport.

It is important to note that these drone attacks were launched from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran against the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic around noon today. One drone struck the terminal building of the Nakhchivan International Airport, while another fell near a school in the village of Shekarabad.

As a result of the attack, the airport building sustained damage, and two civilians were injured.

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Azerbaijan has condemned drone attacks launched from the territory of Iran that targeted the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, causing damage to infrastructure and injuring civilians, according to an official statement, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the information released, the incidents occurred around noon on March 5. Azerbaijani authorities said two drones were launched from Iranian territory toward Nakhchivan.

One of the drones reportedly fell on the terminal building of Nakhchivan International Airport, damaging part of the facility. Another drone crashed near a school building in the village of Shekarabad.

Officials said the attack resulted in injuries to two civilians and caused damage to the airport building.

Azerbaijan strongly condemned the strikes, describing them as unacceptable and stating that such actions contradict the norms and principles of international law. The Azerbaijani side also noted that the incident risks further escalating tensions in the region.

Baku has called on Tehran to urgently clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and to provide an explanation. Authorities also demanded that the Iranian side take immediate measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The Azerbaijani government stated that it reserves the right to take appropriate retaliatory measures.

Following the incident, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Dermichilu, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Azerbaijani officials said a strong protest will be conveyed to the Iranian side and a formal note of protest will be presented.

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We have located one of the drones that crashed in an open area, quite close to the airport.

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Iranian missiles, or what also seems like a drone, have struck the airport in Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, though no official confirmation has been issued by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense or other authorities, AzerNEWS reports.

Videos shared online appear to show flashes and explosions in the vicinity of the airport, with users alleging that the site was targeted amid the ongoing escalation involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The authenticity of the footage and the exact circumstances of the alleged strike have not yet been independently verified.

The reported incident comes as tensions across the region remain high following recent military operations against Iran, which have triggered retaliatory missile launches and heightened fears of a broader regional confrontation.

Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani exclave bordering Iran, Trkiye, and Armenia, occupies a strategically sensitive position in the South Caucasus. Any confirmed strike in the territory would mark a significant escalation with potential implications for regional security.

Authorities in Azerbaijan have not yet released a statement regarding the circulating footage or the reported impact near the airport. Further details are expected as officials assess the situation and verify the information.

In a dramatic escalation of the regional conflict, Azerbaijan’s neutrality was tested this morning when Nakhchivan Airport came under drone and missile fire around 11:00 a.m., reportedly launched from Iran. The attack, which caused casualties, marks the first direct spillover of the Iran-Israel-United States war into Azerbaijani territory as the confrontation enters its sixth day. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, speaking to Azerbaijani media, insisted that Azerbaijan was not the intended target. Yet the strike raises troubling questions – if Azerbaijan has deliberately avoided entanglement in the conflict, why has it now been drawn into its line of fire? Unlike Gulf states, where U.S. military bases provided Iran with a stated rationale for its actions, Azerbaijan hosts no such facilities. This undermines any logical justification for the attack. Beyond violating international law, the strike represents a breach of neighborly relations.

Diplomatic history underscores the contradiction. Following the death of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev personally visited the Iranian embassy in Baku to offer condolences. Meanwhile, the Astara border has served as a humanitarian lifeline: since February 28, more than 1,200 civilians, including 37 foreign nationals, have been evacuated through Azerbaijan’s territory. Against this backdrop, the attack has understandably fueled public doubt: if Azerbaijan’s policy is neutral and humanitarian, why should the country, particularly Nakhchivan, be subjected to Iranian strikes?

Military expert Adalat Verdiyev told Azernews that Nakhchivan’s targeting is deliberate and strategically motivated.

‘Iran attacked to sever Azerbaijan’s connection with Nakhchivan. Azerbaijan has no land connection to the exclave; it is accessible only by air. During the First Karabakh War, Armenia attempted a similar strategy but failed,’ Verdiyev explained.

Nakhchivan also provides Azerbaijan with a land border with Turkiye, amplifying its strategic importance. On March 4, Turkiye itself was targeted by a missile launched from Iranian territory, intercepted over Syrian airspace. Although Iran denied responsibility and claimed Turkiye was not the target, the incident has heightened suspicions about Tehran’s intentions.

According to Verdiyev, Iran is attempting to shift the battlefield away from its own territory by striking neutral states.

‘Iran is on the verge of defeat against the U.S. and Israel. Rather than confronting U.S. aircraft carriers or Mossad agents directly, Iran is launching drone and missile strikes on neutral countries like Turkiye and Azerbaijan. There is ample photographic and video evidence of the damage. Azerbaijan and Turkiye both have the right to respond, but any retaliation will be carried out at the right time and in the right manner,’ he said.

Iran’s actions reflect both military desperation and political calculation. With 30-40 million ethnic Azerbaijanis living in Iran, the regime faces internal pressures. Popular discontent, fueled by war fatigue and growing opposition to clerical rule, is intensifying. In this context, targeting Azerbaijan risks further alienating Iran’s own Azerbaijani population and may prove counterproductive.

Verdiyev went further, urging South Azerbaijanis to rise against the clerical regime:

‘The Iranian population must now stand against this dishonorable regime. It should not continue its activities; the state must be dismantled, and those responsible punished,’ he concluded.

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, stressing that it violates international law and contributes to regional instability. It is clear that Azerbaijan seeks peace, not war. The state does not interfere in the internal affairs of others and does not engage in actions contrary to international law. Ensuring stability and peace in the region remains a core priority. The strike on Nakhchivan highlights the fragility of regional security and the risks of conflict spillover. By targeting neutral states, Iran not only undermines its diplomatic standing but also risks provoking retaliatory measures from countries that have so far avoided direct involvement.

For Azerbaijan, the incident raises critical questions about the sustainability of its neutrality. While Baku has positioned itself as a humanitarian actor, the attack may force a recalibration of its security posture. The coming days will reveal whether Azerbaijan and Turkiye opt for military retaliation or continue to rely on diplomatic channels to contain escalation.

On March 5, Leyla Aliyeva visited the Baku City Narcology Center.

Leyla Aliyeva was provided with detailed information regarding the center’s operations and history.

The Baku City Narcology Center, established in 1980, was the first specialized narcological medical institution in Azerbaijan. It originally operated as the Baku City Narcology Dispensary. At that time, when narcology was separated from psychiatry as part of the broader fight against alcoholism, the establishment of independent narcological institutions began, with this center being the first to open in the country. The facility underwent a major renovation by the Ministry of Health in 2012. Following a decree by the Ministry of Health dated August 11, 2020, the “Baku City Narcology Center” was reorganized as a public legal entity. The center currently consists of 16 rooms, including registration, reception, seven physician offices, a manipulation room, and six administrative offices.

Serving all 12 districts of the capital, the center employs 18 doctors, 25 nurses, and 27 other staff members. It has the capacity to serve between 200 and 300 citizens daily.

The center currently has 17,557 people registered in the capital. Of these, 14,753 are registered for mental and behavioral disorders resulting from drug use, 1,416 for alcohol-related disorders, and 1,388 for disorders resulting from toxic substance use. On average, 20 people suffering from drug addiction apply to the center daily, while applications for alcoholism are less frequent. Acute cases of alcoholism are referred to inpatient care, while mild cases receive outpatient treatment at the center. Additionally, the center conducts screenings for Syphilis, HIV, and Hepatitis B and C.

A new location has been allocated for the center, and it will be relocated there in the near future.

During her visit, Leyla Aliyeva toured the registration, reception, physician, head nurse, and manipulation rooms. She spoke with the medical personnel and joined them for photographs.