By Parvana Valiyeva, Member of Parliament of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan has accused Iran’s elite military force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (SEPAH), of carrying out four drone attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and residents on March 5, escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries.
According to Azerbaijan Member of Parliament Parvana Valiyeva, the attacks struck civilian facilities and peaceful communities in Azerbaijan, raising serious concerns about regional security and violations of international law.
Valiyeva said the strikes were particularly alarming because Azerbaijan has consistently maintained a policy of good neighborliness and has not allowed its territory to be used as a military platform against Iran or any other country.
“A terrorist act was committed against peaceful civilians and critical infrastructure,” Valiyeva said, adding that such actions contradict international norms and risk increasing tensions in an already sensitive region.
She noted that Azerbaijan has previously demonstrated goodwill toward Iran even during difficult moments. President Ilham Aliyev was the only leader who personally visited the Iranian embassy to offer condolences following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, she said. Azerbaijan had also been considering sending humanitarian assistance to Iran.
Valiyeva emphasized that Azerbaijan does not host military forces from third countries, rejecting claims often cited as justification for attacks in the region.
The MP also raised concerns about the treatment of ethnic Azerbaijanis within Iran, saying Azerbaijani communities there have faced discrimination, cultural restrictions, and persecution of activists advocating for their rights.
She called on the Iranian government to provide an immediate explanation for the attacks and take urgent steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“Azerbaijan has demonstrated restraint but remains determined to defend its sovereignty,” Valiyeva said, warning that attacks on the country’s territory “cannot and will not remain unanswered.”