Azerbaijan puts armed forces on full mobilization after Iranian drone attacks

President Ilham Aliyev announced that Azerbaijan’s armed forces have been brought to full mobilization readiness in response to recent Iranian drone attacks on the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

“Our Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defense, the State Border Service, and all other Special Forces – have been brought to full mobilization readiness level one and must be prepared to carry out any operation,” President Aliyev said during a meeting of the Security Council on March 5, Caliber.Az reports, citing state media.

The president emphasized Azerbaijan’s readiness to defend its territory against any threat: “We defend and have defended our territorial integrity. Just as we put an end to Armenia's occupation, we are ready to demonstrate our strength against any evil force, and Iran should not forget that.”

Addressing the nature of the attacks, the head of state said: “These dishonorable people, those who committed this act of terror against us, will regret it. They should not test our strength.”

“Those who once tried to test our strength were crushed by the Iron Fist; today’s incident will have the same result,” President Aliyev added.

Diplomatic measures have also been taken. “All instructions have been given. The Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a note of protest will be handed to him, and other diplomatic steps will be taken,” the president said. He added: “Relevant instructions have been given regarding the border.”

President Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s longstanding policy regarding the use of its territory: “It has been repeatedly stated to the Iranian side, especially after the clashes last year, that no neighboring state will be allowed to use Azerbaijani territory for any purpose against them. We will not permit this, just as we have never permitted it up to now.”

Recalling previous tensions with Iran, the president noted: “Because they know very well that today, the independent Azerbaijani state is also a place of hope for many Azerbaijanis living in Iran.”