On June 26, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, called for a thorough investigation into reports that Israeli drones may have entered Iranian airspace via Azerbaijani territory, reports IRNA.
President Pezeshkian urged a comprehensive investigation and verification of reports suggesting that Israeli unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may have operated from Azerbaijani soil in operations targeting Iran.
Pezeshkian condemned the actions of the Israeli regime, accusing it of violating international law by targeting Iran—including its nuclear facilities—in what he described as “crimes against humanity.”
He also criticized the United Nations for failing to denounce what he characterized as unlawful strikes, which resulted in civilian casualties and the bombing of non-military infrastructure.
The Iranian president further noted that the Israeli assault took place during ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
He emphasized that while U.S. negotiators had assured Iran that Israel would not act without American approval, the attack occurred just before the sixth round of talks, ultimately derailing the negotiation process.
Highlighting what he called Washington’s “double standards,” Pezeshkian claimed the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear facilities on the eighth day of the conflict. In response, Iran launched a retaliatory strike on a U.S. base in Qatar. He added that Tehran later clarified to the Qatari Emir that the operation targeted only the American installation and was not a breach of the sovereignty of friendly nations.
Reaffirming Iran’s commitment to peaceful and respectful regional relations, Pezeshkian said Tehran seeks stability and honors the territorial integrity of all neighboring states. He also expressed hope for enhanced cooperation with Baku.
In response, President Aliyev expressed regret over the Israeli attacks and the resulting civilian casualties. He welcomed the ceasefire and reiterated Azerbaijan’s respect for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Aliyev categorically rejected claims that Israeli drones had used Azerbaijani airspace, emphasizing that Baku maintains full control over its skies and “has not and will not” allow its airspace to be used against Iran.
He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Iran across political, economic, and security spheres.
The Azerbaijani president also proposed sending an Iranian delegation to Baku for upcoming trilateral talks on the North-South Corridor project and invited President Pezeshkian to participate in the forthcoming ECO summit in Azerbaijan.
