Azerbaijan assures Iran its territory won't be used for attacks

Azerbaijan has formally assured Iran that it will not allow its national territory to serve as a staging ground for military action against the Islamic Republic. In a diplomatic phone call, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov relayed this security guarantee to his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, according to a statement from Baku. The high-level contact comes amidst escalating regional tensions and underscores Azerbaijan's intent to maintain balanced, stable relations with all neighboring states, promoting dialogue over confrontation.

A clear security guarantee to a neighbor

The core message from Baku was unequivocal. Minister Bayramov stated that Azerbaijan would "never allow" its airspace or territory to be used by any state to conduct military operations against neighboring Iran. This declaration is a significant diplomatic gesture aimed at addressing potential security concerns in Tehran, which has recently been involved in heightened rhetoric with other powers. By making this guarantee explicit, Azerbaijan seeks to insulate the bilateral relationship from wider regional conflicts.

Call for regional de-escalation and stability

Beyond the specific assurance, Minister Bayramov used the conversation to advocate for broader regional calm. He described the recent escalation of tensions as a "cause for concern," reiterating Azerbaijan's consistent position that all parties must avoid steps and rhetoric that could lead to greater instability in and around Iran. His comments reflect a foreign policy priority for Baku: ensuring a secure and predictable environment in the South Caucasus and its surrounding regions, which is essential for its own development and connectivity projects.

Emphasis on diplomatic solutions

Aligning with principles often championed by regional powers like Türkiye, Azerbaijan emphasized the primacy of diplomatic channels. Bayramov stressed that international disputes should be resolved "solely through dialogue and diplomatic means" and in accordance with the rules and principles of international law. This position reinforces Azerbaijan's role as a proponent of peaceful conflict resolution and strengthens its standing as a responsible actor seeking to mitigate flare-ups between its neighbors and external powers.