Azerbaijan denies report Israel attacked Iran from its territory Azerbaijan has strongly refuted a CNN report alleging that Israel conducted advanced intelligence and military operations, including drone assassinations, from its territory against Iran during a recent war. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry dismissed the claims as baseless and lacking credible evidence, emphasizing that their territory has never been and will never be used for hostile purposes against any state. The report detailed alleged Israeli commando activities and intelligence gathering, which Iran’s military later suggested was part of a false flag attack following an Iranian drone strike on an Azerbaijani airport, an act condemned by Azerbaijan’s president.

• Azerbaijani authorities have vehemently denied a CNN report accusing Israel of conducting advanced intelligence and military operations from Azerbaijani territory against Iran.
• The CNN report cited four sources, claiming Israel deployed commandos and Mossad operatives from secret bases in southern Azerbaijan, including drone assassinations.
• Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry called the allegations “entirely baseless” and “categorically rejected,” stating their territory is not used for hostile purposes.
• The report mentioned Israeli commandos installing listening devices and the potential for Azerbaijan to be unaware of expanded operations beyond a base for rescuing downed airmen and refueling jets.
• Following an alleged Iranian drone strike on Nakhchivan International Airport, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev condemned Iran’s actions as an “act of terror,” while Iran’s military blamed Israel for a false flag attack.
• Analysts have long speculated about Israel using Azerbaijan against Iran, highlighting the strategic importance of their bilateral relationship, with Azerbaijan supplying oil and Israel providing technology.
• A recent visit by U.S. Vice President JD Vance to Azerbaijan may have heightened Iranian suspicions about the use of its territory.