Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has officially denied Tehran's involvement in a recent drone incident near Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan.
"Iran does not launch strikes against neighboring countries. This incident requires a thorough investigation," the diplomat stated in an interview with the AnewZ television channel.
He emphasized that the Islamic Republic's defense strategy is selective in nature. According to Gharibabadi, Iran only considers striking states that allow their territory to be used for the military bases of Iran's adversaries.
On Thursday, March 5, Iran launched a drone attack on Azerbaijani territory, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. One unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) exploded at the Nakhchivan International Airport terminal, sparking a fire, while a second drone crashed near a rural school in Shekerabad, injuring two civilians.
In response to the strike, Baku summoned the Iranian ambassador to deliver a formal protest note, demanding an immediate explanation from Tehran. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense is currently analyzing the wreckage of the drones and is reportedly preparing military measures to protect the country's national sovereignty.