Drone strike hits Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave as regional war widens
A drone strike damaged an airport terminal in Azerbaijan’s autonomous Nakhchivan region on Thursday, opening a new front in the widening regional conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the incident occurred shortly after noon when one drone struck the airport terminal while another fell near a school in the nearby village of Shakarabad. Two civilians were injured and parts of the airport infrastructure were damaged.
More reporting from EyeOnLondon
Policy, science and global developments shaping London’s wider world.
Baku condemned the incident and summoned Iran’s ambassador, Mojtaba Demirchilou, demanding an explanation and warning that Azerbaijan reserved the right to respond.
Iran rejected responsibility. Deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran had not targeted Azerbaijan and insisted Iran only strikes military facilities used by what it describes as hostile forces in the region.
Nakhchivan is an Azerbaijani exclave bordered by Iran, Türkiye and Armenia. Its position has become strategically sensitive since a US-brokered peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan created plans for a transit corridor linking mainland Azerbaijan to the region.
The proposed route, sometimes referred to as the Zangezur corridor, would establish a direct transport link across southern Armenia. Iran has repeatedly opposed the project, arguing that it could alter regional security arrangements and weaken Tehran’s access to Armenia.
Regional tensions have intensified during the past week as Iranian drones and missiles have been reported across multiple countries.
Iraq reported activity near a US military installation close to Baghdad airport. Qatar said its air defences intercepted a missile over Doha. Saudi Arabia reported a drone downed near the al-Jawf region, while an oil storage facility in Oman was damaged.
Türkiye also reported that a ballistic missile launched from Iran was destroyed by NATO air defence systems after entering eastern Mediterranean airspace earlier this week. Iranian officials denied firing the missile.
The renewed escalation is unfolding alongside heavy fighting between Israel and Hezbollah along the Lebanon border, raising concerns that a broader regional conflict could be emerging.
For more reporting on global developments and their implications for London and the UK, follow EyeOnLondon.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
