Drone Strikes in Nakhchivan
On March 5, 2026, around noon (08:00 GMT), a significant escalation occurred when at least four Iranian drones struck various locations in Azerbaijan, including one near the airport in Nakhchivan and another close to a school. The attacks resulted in injuries to two civilians, raising immediate concerns over regional security.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev condemned the drone strikes, labeling them as “ugly, cowardly and shameless.” The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a strong statement, asserting that one of the drones had hit the terminal building of the airport in Nakhchivan, further emphasizing the severity of the incident.
In response to the attacks, Azerbaijan summoned Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Demirchilou to express its outrage and demand accountability. The incident has sparked a wave of condemnation from neighboring Turkiye, which expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan in the face of these drone strikes.
On the Iranian side, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any involvement in the drone attacks, while Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Iran does not target neighboring countries. These denials have not alleviated the tensions, as Azerbaijan continues to seek clarity and accountability.
This incident comes in the context of a fragile peace established last year between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which included Nakhchivan as part of a US-brokered deal. The drone strikes have the potential to undermine this peace and escalate hostilities in the region.
As the situation develops, the international community is closely monitoring the responses from both Azerbaijan and Iran. The implications of these drone strikes could have lasting effects on diplomatic relations and regional stability.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage and the potential for further military escalation. The situation remains fluid as both countries navigate the aftermath of this incident.