Iran accuses Israel of orchestrating Azerbaijan airport attack, sparking rifts among Muslim nations

Iran claims Israel is behind a drone strike on Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan International Airport, according to Iran’s official news agency IRNA on Thursday (5/3). The Iranian Armed Forces General Staff said Israel has a history of carrying out similar operations to sow divisions among Muslim countries. The report also asserts that investigations indicate the attack was designed to trap Iran. It notes that Iran did not launch any drone attack on Azerbaijan, stressing it respects the sovereignty of all states, especially neighbouring and Muslim nations. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry accused Iran of launching the drone attack on Nakhchivan’s airport from Iranian territory. According to Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, the attack occurred at local midday on Thursday (5/3) and hit the terminal building of Nakhchivan International Airport. Two civilians were injured and there was damage to public facilities. A drone was also reported to have fallen near a school in the village of Shakarabad. The Azerbaijani Defence Ministry said it is prepared to retaliate if necessary. The Azerbaijani government described the attack as a violation of international law norms and principles that could escalate regional tensions. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador in Baku to lodge a protest.