TEHRAN, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Iran on Thursday rejected accusations from neighboring Azerbaijan that it had launched drone strikes targeting its territory, while suggesting that Israel may be behind the attacks.
The General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces said that Iranian forces had not launched any drones toward Azerbaijan, emphasizing that Iran respects the sovereignty of all nations, particularly neighboring and Muslim countries, the official news agency IRNA reported. It added that Israel has a history of carrying out such operations to sow discord among Muslim nations, asserting that investigations indicate the strikes were carried out by Israel to frame Iran.
Earlier on Thursday, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry accused Iran of launching drone attacks on the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic from Iranian territory. The ministry said the strikes, which occurred around midday, hit the terminal building of Nakhchivan International Airport, injuring two civilians and causing structural damage. Another drone reportedly fell near a school in the village of Shakarabad.
Azerbaijan strongly condemned the attacks as "in violation of the norms and principles of international law," warning that the actions could escalate regional tensions. The ministry also summoned the Iranian envoy in Baku to lodge a "strong protest" over the incident.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry said it is "preparing the necessary retaliatory measures," adding that the attacks "will not go unanswered."
The incident comes amid heightened regional hostilities following joint strikes launched since Saturday by Israel and the United States on Tehran and other Iranian cities. Iran has responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli and U.S. assets in the Middle East.■
