06/03/2026
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06/03/2026
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Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijan's Minister of the Foreign Affairs
BAKU, Mar 6: Azerbaijan has begun withdrawing its diplomatic staff from Iran, citing safety concerns following an incident in which Iranian drones crossed into Azerbaijani territory, officials said Friday.
Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov confirmed that personnel at Azerbaijan’s embassy in Tehran and its consulate general in Tabriz are being evacuated “for their own safety,” under orders from President Ilham Aliyev.
The move comes after Azerbaijan reported that four Iranian drones crossed its border into the Nakhchivan exclave on Thursday, injuring four people and striking civilian infrastructure, including the regional airport and areas near a school. Baku has condemned the incident, describing it as a violation of international law and vowing to consider appropriate responses.
Iran has denied that it targeted Azerbaijan. Tehran officials maintain they do not attack neighbouring states, although details surrounding the drone crossings remain disputed.
Relations between the two neighbours have long been strained, partly over Azerbaijan’s close ties with Israel and deepening cooperation with Western partners — developments that have drawn repeated criticism from Tehran.
The evacuation of diplomats marks a significant diplomatic escalation at a time of heightened regional tension, raising concerns about further destabilisation along the South Caucasus frontier.
