Today, Nakhchivan airport was subjected to a drone attack by Iran. During the incident, 4 of our citizens were injured, and the airport's infrastructure sustained serious damage.
The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan immediately reacted to the issue. It was stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran bears full responsibility for the incident. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan is preparing necessary response measures to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country, and to ensure the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure. It was noted that these acts of aggression will not go unanswered.
Commenting on the attack to Modern.az, Israeli journalist and political scientist Igor Roytapel stated that Iran's strike can be seen as an attempt to draw Azerbaijan into a broader regional conflict:
"The selection of Nakhchivan as a target is likely not accidental. Firstly, Nakhchivan holds special symbolic significance for Azerbaijan. It is the birthplace of the country's current president and of former president Heydar Aliyev, whose memory is deeply revered in Azerbaijan. Therefore, a strike on such a place is perceived not only as a military operation but also as a political and symbolic message. Secondly, Nakhchivan is located at a very short distance from the Iranian border, in some places less than ten kilometers. From a military perspective, this ensures relatively easy access to the target with drone capabilities".
According to Igor Rytapel, this attack creates a dual effect:
"With this, Iran, on the one hand, puts pressure on Azerbaijan and tests its response. On the other hand, since the strike is directed at an area of special national importance, it creates a strong psychological and political resonance. In a broader context, such actions may be part of a strategy to demonstrate power and attempt to expand the geography of tension in the region. At the same time, these steps carry the risk of further escalation and can increase international attention and reactions from states interested in maintaining stability in the South Caucasus".
