Azernews.Az

Akbar Novruz

Read more

RECAP:

• Drone attacks on Nakhchivan: On March 5, drones reportedly launched from Iranian territory struck Nakhchivan International Airport and surrounding areas, including near a school in Shekarabad. Four people were injured, two with barotrauma and two with blunt trauma, all in stable condition.

• Iranian claims: The Sepah Pasdaran News Channel (IRGC-affiliated) claimed an Arash-2 drone targeted a drone at the airport, describing the area as a site where “foreign officers” were planning attacks on Iran. The channel called it a warning to Azerbaijan, describing the Baku government as a “traitor.”

• Regional reactions: Saudi Arabia and Qatar condemned the attacks, calling them hostile acts violating international law and threatening regional security. Both countries expressed solidarity with Türkiye and Azerbaijan and supported their right to defend sovereignty and airspace.

• Azerbaijan’s response: The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan and the Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes, stating that the attacks targeted civilian infrastructure without military necessity. Authorities emphasized that Iran bears full responsibility and warned that the attacks “will not go unanswered.”

• Official investigations and diplomatic actions: Azerbaijan summoned the Iranian ambassador, issued a formal protest, and called on Tehran to clarify the incidents. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi denied targeting neighboring countries and called for an investigation of the events.

xxxxxx

Iran’s General Staff of the Armed Forces has denied reports that drones were launched from Iranian territory toward Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

In a statement cited by the Iranian news agency Tasnim, the General Staff rejected allegations that Iranian armed forces had deployed drones targeting the Republic of Azerbaijan.

“Iran, while respecting the sovereignty of all countries, especially Muslim and neighboring states, denies the launch of drones by its armed forces toward the Republic of Azerbaijan,” the statement said.

The statement also claimed that such incidents have previously been associated with what it described as attempts by the “Zionist regime” to undermine relations between Muslim countries through various means.

According to the General Staff, initial assessments suggest that the alleged incident may have been carried out in an attempt to falsely accuse the Islamic Republic of Iran.

xxx

Four people were injured at Nakhchivan International Airport following drone attacks reportedly launched from Iranian territory, local authorities said.

The injured were admitted to the Emergency Medical Department of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Hospital.

Sahib Abuzarov, head of the hospital’s emergency department, said that two of the patients sustained barotrauma, while the other two suffered blunt trauma to the back. All four are reported to be in stable condition and have been admitted to the relevant hospital departments for treatment.

xxx

A Telegram channel affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Sepah Pasdaran News Channel, posted claims regarding a drone incident at Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

The post alleges that an Iranian Arash-2 drone targeted a drone at the airport, describing the area as a location where “foreign officers were planning attacks on Iranian infrastructure.”

According to the channel, the drone carries a 120 kg warhead and is operated by the Iranian Army Ground Forces.

The post framed the strike as a “warning” to Azerbaijan, referring to the Baku government as a “traitor” and characterizing the action as a message to external adversaries.

The post reads:

"The drone that was at the Nakhchivan Airport, specifically in a section where Zionist regime and American officers were planning and managing attacks on our country's infrastructure, was crushed by an Arash-2 drone. The enemy sees this for themselves and must know that Iran does not joke or compromise with any party. With a 120 kg warhead and very high destructive power, it is utilized by the Army Ground Force. This was only a warning shot to the mercenary regime and the traitor of Baku.

xxx

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have strongly condemned Iran’s recent attacks targeting Türkiye and Azerbaijan, describing the actions as hostile violations of international law and a threat to regional stability, AzerNEWS reports.

According to statements released by their foreign ministries, Saudi Arabia denounced what it described as Iran’s attempts to target both the Republic of Türkiye and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Riyadh characterized the actions as hostile acts that violate international law and internationally accepted norms.

In its statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the attacks demonstrate an unjustifiable hostile stance.

“These cowardly attempts against both countries demonstrate a hostile position that cannot be justified under any circumstances,” the ministry stated.

Saudi Arabia also warned that Iran’s repeated actions against countries in the region risk escalating tensions and undermining regional security and stability.

The statement emphasized that the government and people of the Kingdom stand in full solidarity with Türkiye and Azerbaijan. Riyadh reaffirmed its support for both countries’ right to defend their security, airspace, territorial integrity, and citizens, while also praising ongoing efforts aimed at preventing further escalation and maintaining regional stability.

Meanwhile, Qatar also strongly condemned Iran’s actions, particularly the drone attack targeting an airport in Azerbaijan.

In a statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said the targeting of Türkiye with a ballistic missile and the attack on an airport in Azerbaijan using Iranian drones constitute hostile acts.

Doha described the incidents as a dangerous escalation and a clear violation of state sovereignty, warning that such actions pose a direct threat to regional peace and stability.

The ministry reiterated Qatar’s full solidarity with Türkiye and Azerbaijan and expressed its support for all measures both countries may take to protect their sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

xxx

Another video has been released showing an Iranian drone landing near a school.

xxx

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, has addressed reports indicating that drones struck Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan.

He stated that Tehran does not target neighboring countries and emphasized that the incident should be thoroughly investigated. In an interview with AnewZ, Gharibabadi reiterated that only those countries hosting military bases for their adversaries would be targeted.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has responded to reports that drones struck Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan, saying Tehran does not target neighbouring countries and that the incident must be investigated.

Gharibabadi who was speaking to AnewZ… pic.twitter.com/zkL9OVOPfB

— AnewZ (@Anewz_tv) March 5, 2026

xxx

The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan has condemned drone attacks carried out from Iranian territory targeting civilian infrastructure in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, AzerNEWS reports.

In a statement released on March 5, the ministry said the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran launched unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks against Nakhchivan International Airport and other civilian sites in the exclave.

According to the statement, the drones were deployed from Iranian territory. Authorities noted that the technical parameters of the UAVs and the full details of the attacks are currently under investigation.

The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry strongly condemned the strikes, emphasizing that the attacks targeted civilian infrastructure and were carried out despite the absence of any military necessity.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran bears full responsibility for the incident,” the statement said.

The ministry added that Azerbaijan is preparing the necessary response measures to safeguard its territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as to ensure the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Officials also stressed that the attacks will not go unanswered.

xxx

The UAVs that fell in Nakhchivan are reported to be Iranian-made Arash-2 UAVs.

We will provide official information as it becomes available.

The DIO Arash, Arash 2 is an Iranian long-range one-way attack drone in the Islamic Republic of Iran's military service since 2020. It has a 2,000 km strike range and carries a 150 kg warhead.

xxx

We have photos taken from the scene following the drone attack on Nakhchivan International Airport.

It is important to note that these drone attacks were launched from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran against the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic around noon today. One drone struck the terminal building of the Nakhchivan International Airport, while another fell near a school in the village of Shekarabad.

As a result of the attack, the airport building sustained damage, and two civilians were injured.

Images are provided by the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC)

xxx

Azerbaijan has condemned drone attacks launched from the territory of Iran that targeted the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, causing damage to infrastructure and injuring civilians, according to an official statement, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the information released, the incidents occurred around noon on March 5. Azerbaijani authorities said two drones were launched from Iranian territory toward Nakhchivan.

One of the drones reportedly fell on the terminal building of Nakhchivan International Airport, damaging part of the facility. Another drone crashed near a school building in the village of Shekarabad.

Officials said the attack resulted in injuries to two civilians and caused damage to the airport building.

Azerbaijan strongly condemned the strikes, describing them as unacceptable and stating that such actions contradict the norms and principles of international law. The Azerbaijani side also noted that the incident risks further escalating tensions in the region.

Baku has called on Tehran to urgently clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and to provide an explanation. Authorities also demanded that the Iranian side take immediate measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The Azerbaijani government stated that it reserves the right to take appropriate retaliatory measures.

Following the incident, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Dermichilu, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Azerbaijani officials said a strong protest will be conveyed to the Iranian side and a formal note of protest will be presented.

xxx

We have located one of the drones that crashed in an open area, quite close to the airport.

xxx

Iranian missiles, or what also seems like a drone, have struck the airport in Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, though no official confirmation has been issued by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense or other authorities, AzerNEWS reports.

Videos shared online appear to show flashes and explosions in the vicinity of the airport, with users alleging that the site was targeted amid the ongoing escalation involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The authenticity of the footage and the exact circumstances of the alleged strike have not yet been independently verified.

The reported incident comes as tensions across the region remain high following recent military operations against Iran, which have triggered retaliatory missile launches and heightened fears of a broader regional confrontation.

Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani exclave bordering Iran, Türkiye, and Armenia, occupies a strategically sensitive position in the South Caucasus. Any confirmed strike in the territory would mark a significant escalation with potential implications for regional security.

Authorities in Azerbaijan have not yet released a statement regarding the circulating footage or the reported impact near the airport. Further details are expected as officials assess the situation and verify the information.