Iran dismisses "unfounded" reports on troop deployment on Azerbaijani border

Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Lt-Gen Mohammad Hossein Bagheri has dismissed the "unfounded" reports on his country's troop deployment on the Azerbaijani border.

He made the remarks during a phone call with Azerbaijani Defence Minister, Col-Gen Zakir Hasanov on September 13, the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry told Caliber.Az.

According to the report, the sides exchanged views on the regional situation and security issues.

Bagheri emphasised that information disseminated by some sources that Iran is allegedly gathering manpower and military equipment at the border with Azerbaijan, and conducting various exercises, is completely unfounded. He added that such information is aimed at undermining the existing friendly and neighbourly relations between the two countries.

The prospects for the development of military cooperation between the two countries were also discussed during the phone talk.

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces for International Cooperation Brigadier General Mohammad Ahadi addressed the allegations during an interview with APA on September 10. The senior military official, leading an Iranian military delegation, was in Baku to participate in the Azerbaijan-Iran Joint Commission meeting.

These are “completely groundless” reports, he said, playing down suggestions that Iran sought to dispatch forces for engagement in a possible war between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Iran and Azerbaijan enjoy “very good” relations, he added.