Tehran has called on Baku to conduct a thorough investigation into reports that Israeli drones may have entered Iranian airspace from Azerbaijani territory during recent hostilities between Iran and Israel. The statement was made by Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, during a press conference at the National Press Club in Yerevan, reports Armenpress.
Iran’s Ambassador Sobhani stated that Iranian intelligence has “received information indicating that a small number of Israeli unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) crossed into Iranian territory from neighboring countries, particularly Azerbaijan.” As a result, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian raised the issue in a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, requesting a serious investigation.
“We have received reports that a limited number of drones entered Iranian airspace from neighboring countries. This prompted our President to ask Mr. Aliyev for a thorough inquiry,” Sobhani said. He added that Iran’s response would largely depend on the results of the investigation.
“The world has understood that one cannot speak with Iran in the language of threats, that Iran and Iranians cannot be threatened,” Sobhani said. “We are ready to die, but we will not tolerate those who speak with us in the language of threats and force. We have forced the aggressor to stop the attacks, and we are ready to continue to dictate the will of the Iranian people.”
Sobhani noted that Azerbaijan has assured Iran it would not allow its territory to be used against the Islamic Republic. However, he emphasized the unpredictable nature of Israel’s actions, stating: “We all know that the Israeli regime does not abide by any rules or laws. There is a possibility they may have taken advantage of the situation, but we need clear information before making any assessments.” He added: “It is possible that our enemy, the Zionist regime [i.e. Israel], made use of the territory of our neighboring state. Therefore, there is still a possibility that they were able to take advantage of the moment.”
According to Iranian media, President Pezeshkian urged President Aliyev during their phone conversation to examine media reports suggesting that Israeli drones and micro-aircraft may have violated Iranian airspace via Azerbaijani territory.
Reiterating the gravity of the matter, Ambassador Sobhani confirmed that the relevant information was provided by Iranian intelligence and emphasized that Tehran’s response would be shaped by the investigation’s findings.
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Commenting on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s recently adopted resolution, which includes territorial claims by Azerbaijan against Armenia, Ambassador Sobhani firmly rejected any such assertions.
“Iran categorically rejects any claim to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Armenia,” he said. “Any false and untrue wording that may reflect the territorial claims of one country to another are unacceptable to us. The use of this fabricated and false wording contradicts peaceful coexistence and good neighborliness in the region. Therefore, the use of such wording should be avoided.”
He specifically objected to the term “Western Azerbaijan,” stating, “The name ‘Western Azerbaijan’ is the name of one of the provinces of the Republic of Iran. It cannot be used to name any other geographical area, especially if it implies any form of territorial claims.”
Sobhani reiterated that Iran encourages dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan and supports a peace agreement between the two countries. “We call on the parties to sign a peace agreement, the provisions of which have already been agreed upon by the parties,” he said.
According to the ambassador, Iran’s position on Armenia remains unchanged. “We support Armenia’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty. We recommend that such self-proclaimed historical claims not be used to hinder the establishment of peace in the region,” he concluded.
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On the topic of regional transportation routes, Ambassador Sobhani underscored Iran’s firm opposition to the proposed “Zangezur Corridor,” which Azerbaijan seeks through Armenian territory.
“Iran is against any road in the region that will have a ‘corridor’ logic,” he stated. “The corridor which is called ‘Zangezur’ does not stem from the interests of Armenia and Iran. For us, this is a ‘red line.’ We have repeatedly stated this and continue to adhere to this position.” He reiterated that Iran does not intend to deviate from its red lines.
He added that Iran has informed all countries involved in the process of its strong opposition and the unacceptability of the corridor’s construction.
“With its actions against Israeli aggression, Iran has shown that it remains faithful to its ‘red lines,’” Sobhani said. “The two regimes that carried out aggression against Iran are nuclear powers. Many have helped them, and the two contributing countries also have nuclear weapons. That is, we clashed with nuclear powers. But we said and proved that regardless of who is standing in front of us, with whom we have to clash, we remain faithful to our national interests and our ‘red lines.’ I believe this is a very clear message.”
