Tehran Asks Baku to Probe Claims of Israeli Use of Azerbaijan’s Airspace

In a telephone conversation with his Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev on Thursday, President Pezeshkian called for the investigation and verification of reports that the Zionist regime's drones and micro air vehicles may have utilized Azerbaijan's airspace to carry out attacks against Iran.

Pezeshkian also thanked the Azerbaijani government and nation for their support and solidarity with Iran during the aggression by the Zionist regime, his official website reported.

Iranians have never initiated any war, nor do they intend to, Pezeshkian noted, adding that it was the Israeli regime that attacked Iran contrary to international laws.

According to the international norms, attacking nuclear facilities is prohibited even during wars and is considered a crime against humanity, the Iranian president stated.

Pezeshkian added that the United Nations, despite holding sessions, did not condemn these unauthorized assaults and the slaughter of the Iranian people.

Pezeshkian also decried the United States’ double standards, stating that Washington claimed it had no role in starting the war, yet on the eighth day of the war, the US bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Therefore, the Islamic Republic had to target a US bases in Qatar, he added.

Pointing to Iran's principled policy of friendly engagement with the neighboring countries, the president reiterated that he communicated with the leaders of neighboring countries to emphasize that Iran seeks peace and stability in the region and respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all neighboring countries.

Pezeshkian also expressed hope that relations and cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan Republic will become more profound and extensive.

In response, Aliyev expressed regret over the Zionist regime’s aggression and the killing of innocent people during these assaults, and welcomed the ceasefire.

Reiterating respect for Iran's territorial integrity and sovereignty, the Azeri leader said that from the outset of these attacks, Azerbaijan unequivocally condemned the strikes and reaffirmed that it will not permit its airspace to be exploited against the Islamic Republic.

He added that Azerbaijan maintains full control and sovereignty over its skies.

The president denied rumors about the Israeli regime's use of Azerbaijan’s airspace for attacking Iran, stating that the Azerbaijani government absolutely does not allow its skies to be used against its friendly and brotherly neighbor.

Aliyev also reaffirmed Azerbaijan's desire to expand relations with Iran in all fields, noting that Baku seeks deep relations with Tehran across economic, political, and security sectors.