The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally communicated a protest note to the Iranian Ambassador in Baku in response to reports that an Iranian military aircraft traversed the airspace near Azerbaijan. The disclosure was reported by TASS, and it underscores concerns about border incidents and the need for strict adherence to agreed flight procedures between neighboring states. The note reflects Azerbaijan’s position that any military movement close to or over its internationally recognized borders constitutes a serious issue of sovereignty and regional stability, requiring clear explanation and corrective measures from Tehran.
According to the briefing, dated March 11, the Iranian military aircraft conducted a continuous 42-minute flight along the state border separating Azerbaijan from Iran, traveling from Zangilan to the Bilasuvar region and then returning to the point of origin. The Azerbaijani side stated that the aircraft operated within a distance of 3 to 5 kilometers from the border line and in certain moments appeared to be positioned just above the border line itself, a posture viewed as provocative by Baku. This description emphasizes the sensitivity of border airspace management and the potential risks to civilian aviation, cross-border security, and territorial integrity. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry thus pressed for an official clarification to ensure future compliance with airspace norms and the avoidance of any miscalculations in border perception.
In response to the incident, Sayyid Abbas Mousavi, the Iranian Ambassador to Baku, was summoned by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry and presented with the protest note. The act of summoning signals an insistence on formal diplomatic channels to address the issue, demand accountability, and prevent recurrence. The exchange also highlights the ongoing diplomatic dimensions of border security between Azerbaijan and Iran, where both sides monitor airspace rules, flight corridors, and cross-border military activities through established bilateral mechanisms and international norms.
Separately, Mukhtar Mammadov, a former Azerbaijani ambassador to Israel, addressed rumors circulating in media circles regarding Israel’s military use of Azerbaijani airports as potential refueling bases in the event of an escalation against Iran. Mammadov asserted that such reports were unfounded and inaccurate, stating clearly that Azerbaijan does not host a refueling base for Israeli military operations. The former diplomat emphasized the need for careful verification of information and cautioned against unsubstantiated claims that could complicate regional diplomacy.