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 suffered serious damage.
The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan reacted immediately 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 defend 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.
Modern.az has learned the opinions of political scientists from foreign countries regarding the incident.
In a statement to our website, Ukrainian political scientist Stanislav Jelikhovsky stated that the reasons for such actions should be sought in a broader geopolitical context:
"Iran is trying to demonstrate its power and its ability to influence developments not only in the Middle East but also in neighboring regions. The South Caucasus holds significant strategic importance for Tehran. In particular, Iran is concerned about Azerbaijan's active cooperation with Turkey and Israel, as well as the gradual strengthening of its strategic ties with the United States. From the perspective of the Iranian leadership, this network of partnerships can be perceived as a potential challenge to its security and regional influence. Within this logic, such incidents can be interpreted as a political signal or a show of force."
S. Jelikhovsky reminded that Ukraine also faces the consequences of the proliferation of Iranian military technologies, stating that there are reasons to support Azerbaijan:
"Iranian-made attack drones are actively used by Russia in the war against Ukraine to attack Ukrainian cities, energy infrastructure, and civilian objects. In this way, a common security problem emerges for various regions, from Eastern Europe to the South Caucasus.
In this context, Kyiv has reason to closely monitor the events and support Azerbaijan's position. This is not only about diplomatic solidarity but also about recognizing the common nature of threats arising from the proliferation of Iranian military systems.
If such incidents continue, they could lead to a further escalation of tensions in the South Caucasus and potentially draw other regional actors into the crisis. Therefore, the current situation demands the attention of the international community to prevent further escalation and expansion of conflicts beyond the Middle East."
Georgian political scientist Giorgi Gogua, in a statement to our website, noted that the news regarding Iran's attack on Nakhchivan Airport causes serious concern not only for Azerbaijan but also for the South Caucasus region:
"In this context, the decree issued by President Ilham Aliyev and the high readiness of Azerbaijani military units can be interpreted as a cautious and preventive measure aimed at deterring potential hostile actions and ensuring national security. The current events indicate a lack of full coordination among various military structures within Iran, which could increase the risk of inconsistent or unpredictable decision-making. Such circumstances highlight the importance of strategic vigilance and the preservation of regional stability."
The political scientist stated that Azerbaijan is a sovereign state with the institutional potential and military capability to decisively respond to any aggression:
"It must be clearly acknowledged that modern Azerbaijan is a sovereign state possessing the institutional potential and military capability to decisively respond to any aggression directed against it. Any hostile action will inevitably be met with a proportionate and lawful response in accordance with the principles of national defense and international law.
In this challenging context, it is appropriate to express solidarity with the people of Azerbaijan and wish them resilience, unity, and the necessary strength to protect their homeland and contribute to maintaining stability in the region."
