Iran Denies Involvement in Drone Attack on Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has categorically denied his country's involvement in a drone strike on Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan region. The assurance came during a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Sunday, March 8.

According to a statement from the Azerbaijani presidential administration, Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for Aliyev's recent visit to the Iranian embassy in Baku to offer condolences. The condolences were related to the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and many civilians during recent events in Iran, as well as for Azerbaijan's intention to provide humanitarian aid.

"Stating that the incident of the aerial attack on Nakhchivan has no connection to Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that what happened will be investigated," the official statement read.

In response, President Aliyev reiterated his condolences for the significant loss of civilian life in Iran. The diplomatic exchange follows reports of drones launched from Iranian territory crashing at an airport in the city of Nakhchivan.

Azerbaijani authorities reported damage to an airport building and several civilian injuries from the incident. Baku had previously demanded prompt explanations, a thorough investigation, and preventative measures from Tehran, reserving its right to take reciprocal action.

The General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces has also officially refuted claims that its military launched any drone toward Azerbaijan.