Baku, Azerbaijan – The Republic of Azerbaijan announced on Friday, March 6, its official decision to withdraw its entire diplomatic mission from Iranian territory, in an escalation move cited for “security reasons.” This came after a drone attack targeted the Nakhchivan Autonomous Region. This escalation threatens to deepen relations between the two neighbors.
Comprehensive diplomatic evacuation
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov confirmed that the decision was made immediately after Baku verified that four Iranian drones had crossed the international border. This violation resulted in injuries to four people in the Nakhchivan region. Bayramov also clarified that the evacuation would not be limited to embassy staff in Tehran, but would also include consular staff in the northwestern Iranian city of Tabriz.
Anger in Baku and support from Islamabad
This diplomatic move came two days after the March 4 attack, in which at least two drones targeted the city of Nakhchivan. In an angry response, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev described the attack as a “terrorist act,” vowing that the perpetrators would be held accountable. He stated, “These dishonorable individuals who committed this act will regret it. We demand an immediate explanation and a formal apology for this violation of our sovereignty.” Separately, President Aliyev received a phone call on Thursday from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who strongly condemned the attack. Sharif affirmed that the Pakistani government and military stood with Azerbaijan in this difficult situation. He also emphasized that Baku could always count on Islamabad’s full support.
Escalation at a critical time
This border tension between Baku and Tehran comes at a time of widespread military unrest in the region. Consequently, it raises concerns about the opening of a new front in the Caucasus. Observers believe that the withdrawal of diplomats represents the culmination of a crisis in relations that have previously been strained. However, this is the first time they have reached this level. Aliyev demanded that Iranian authorities escalate the situation by launching drone strikes and evacuating diplomatic missions. As the evacuation of diplomatic staff continues, the international community awaits Iran’s response. Questions also arise as to whether this attack represents a political message from Tehran to Baku, or whether it is a grave mistake that could lead to further regional isolation for Iran in its northern periphery.
