The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has condemned as baseless and provocative the recent remarks made by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, regarding the alleged use of Azerbaijani territory against Iran.

“We categorically reject the baseless and provocative statements by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, concerning the alleged use of Azerbaijani territory for operations against Iran — specifically, the claim that Israeli drones carried out attacks from Azerbaijani soil.

These accusations harm the relations between Azerbaijan and Iran, which are based on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as non-interference in internal affairs.

Given the position expressed by the President of Azerbaijan during a recent phone call with the President of Iran, and further clarified by the Foreign Minister in his conversation with his Iranian counterpart, we view the Iranian Ambassador’s statements as a clear provocation.

Azerbaijan categorically denies any claims that its airspace or territory has been used by any state to conduct military operations against the neighboring Islamic Republic of Iran or any other country. These allegations are unfounded and lack credible evidence.

We expect Iran to refrain from such actions that are inconsistent with the spirit of our bilateral relations and to take appropriate measures regarding the Ambassador’s statements — a diplomat who, instead of properly representing his country, repeatedly demonstrates a pro-Armenian stance,” the Azerbaijani MFA stated.