March 5, 2026
Azerbaijan accuses Iran of launching drones at Nakhchivan airportlaunching drones at Nakhchivan airport injuring two people
On March 5, 2026, drones launched from Iran struck Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan exclave, hitting the international airport's terminal and landing near a school in Shakarabad village. The attacks injured two civilians and caused damage, prompting Azerbaijan to summon Iran's ambassador and condemn the strikes as a violation of international law. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called the incident an act of terror and demanded an apology and accountability from Iran.
The strikes risk widening the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran into the South Caucasus, a strategically vital region bordering Turkey and Armenia. Azerbaijan reserves the right to respond, while Iran denies responsibility, heightening fears of further regional escalation amid existing Middle East tensions.
Azerbaijani Government
Drones launched from Iran deliberately targeted Nakhchivan's airport and a school area, injuring two civilians and damaging infrastructure. This constitutes an act of terror against Azerbaijan's territory and a breach of international law that aims to inflame regional tensions. Iran must explain the attack, apologize immediately, punish those responsible, and prevent future incidents.
Iranian Position
Iran denies launching any drones or missiles toward Azerbaijan or its facilities. No motive exists for such an action since Azerbaijan and Turkey remain uninvolved in the current war. The claims appear unfounded amid the broader regional context.
- Nakhchivan has been Azerbaijan's autonomous republic since 1924, with its own constitution and government structure.
- The exclave's geographic isolation—surrounded by Armenia, Iran, and Turkey—makes it strategically vulnerable to cross-border incidents.
- Heydar Aliyev, birthplace of current President Ilham Aliyev's father, holds historical significance in the region's political development.
Iran-Azerbaijan Crisis
Azerbaijan and Iran maintain normal border operations and diplomatic contacts after Iranian drones struck Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan exclave on March 5, 2026, damaging the international airport and injuring four civilians.
1 January
Iran and Azerbaijan pursue diplomatic rapprochement after years of tensions, restoring some border and trade ties.
