Azerbaijan has forcefully denied recent media reports alleging that Israeli military and intelligence personnel operated from its territory during the ongoing conflict with Iran. In a statement to Euronews, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry described the claims as “completely groundless” and reiterated its commitment to a neutral foreign policy.
“We categorically reject those particular claims mentioned in the article,” said Aytan Hajizada, the ministry’s spokesperson and head of its press service. “Azerbaijan has never provided its territory for any malign actions against any third country, including Iran.”
The reports, which cited anonymous sources, were not confirmed by either Baku or Tel Aviv. No independent evidence has been publicly presented to support the allegations. When asked whether Azerbaijan would investigate, Hajizada responded, “If someone could provide any evidence, we can also consider that.”
Balancing Act Between Neighbors and Partners
Hajizada stressed that Azerbaijan’s territory “could never be used and will never be used against third parties including our neighbouring countries and friendly countries.” He emphasized Baku’s longstanding policy of maintaining good relations with all regional actors, including Iran, with which it shares a roughly 700-kilometre border.
“Azerbaijan has always conducted a balanced foreign policy based on good neighbourly relations, but at the same time our partnership with Israel has always been good in multi-sector areas and multi-vector areas,” Hajizada added. “We’ve also developed multiple areas of cooperation with the Iranian side, with the Israeli side and with all the regional countries.”
This balancing act has become increasingly delicate as tensions between Baku and Tehran have flared. In early March, Iranian drones struck Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave, hitting the terminal of Nakhchivan International Airport and landing near a school in the village of Shakarabad, injuring four civilians. President Ilham Aliyev called the attack “an act of terror” and demanded an apology and accountability. Tehran denied responsibility and promised an investigation. Azerbaijan temporarily withdrew its diplomatic staff from Iran the day after the strike before gradually normalising relations in subsequent weeks.
The latest allegations come amid broader regional instability. Five Azerbaijani sailors were killed in drone strikes on shadow fleet vessels in the Sea of Azov, highlighting the risks faced by Azerbaijani citizens in conflict zones. Meanwhile, the United States is seeking a direct stake in Azerbaijan’s pipelines, reflecting deepening economic ties in the post-conflict landscape.
Euronews has reached out to the Israeli government for comment on the allegations. As of publication, no response has been received.
