Baku Responds to Allegations of Pezeshkian’s “Let’s Strike Azerbaijan” Remarks
In a recent report by the British newspaper “The Telegraph,” a controversial claim has emerged amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, involving Azerbaijan.
The article alleges that Pezeshkian, Iran’s new president, suggested targeting centers associated with Israel in the Republic of Azerbaijan or Iraqi Kurdistan, allegedly proposing, “let’s strike Azerbaijan.” The proposal reportedly included notifying these countries before any attack to ostensibly deescalate the situation.
These claims, attributed to President Pezeshkian, have understandably caused concern in Azerbaijan.
However, authoritative sources in Azerbaijan have informed the APA agency that they consider the statement attributed to the Iranian president as unfounded.
The prevailing view in Baku is that this information constitutes a deliberate fabrication and disinformation campaign. “It seems certain parties are unsettled by the recent normalization of relations between Iran and Azerbaijan and are intent on disrupting this progress.”
Given that the newly appointed Iranian president is of Azerbaijani descent and has expressed positive sentiments toward Azerbaijan, it is plausible that forces both within and outside of Iran are seeking to undermine these bilateral relations.
“It would be prudent for the Iranian authorities to address these allegations directly, issue a formal denial, and dispel any lingering doubts,” sources within the Azerbaijani government told the APA agency.
