Iranian Drones Strike Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan International Airport

Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry reported that two Iranian drones crossed into its territory, injuring two people at the Nakhchivan International Airport. One drone struck the airport terminal, while the second landed near a school building in a nearby village. A source close to the Azerbaijani government told Reuters that the incident also sparked a fire.

The Nakhchivan exclave lies approximately 10 km (6 miles) from the Iranian border, placing civilian and strategic infrastructure in close proximity to cross-border incidents. Azerbaijan’s authorities emphasized that the attack “contradicts the norms and principles of international law” and escalates regional tensions.

Following the incident, Azerbaijan summoned the Iranian ambassador to deliver a formal note of protest. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded that Tehran clarify the event promptly and implement urgent measures to prevent recurrence. Officials stressed that Azerbaijan reserves the right to undertake “appropriate response measures” if similar incidents occur.

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense issued a statement following the drone incident, saying the country is preparing all necessary countermeasures to protect its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and civilian infrastructure, and warning that “these acts of aggression will not go unanswered.”

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded to reports that drones struck Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan, saying Tehran does not target neighbouring countries and that the incident must be investigated.

Speaking to AnewZ as reports of the attack emerged, Gharibabadi said that only countries hosting military bases of their enemies would be targeted.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev: This is not the first time that the Iranian state has carried out terrorist acts against Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis.