Iran’s retaliation action in response to the US-led operation “Epic Wrath” has caused widespread outrage as drones and missiles flew indiscriminately, injuring civilians in neighboring countries.
On Thursday, the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan in the South Caucasus was attacked by two Iranian Shahed drones, causing civilian casualties and significant damage to the airport, prompting strong condemnation from the international community including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
At least two kamikaze drones flew from Iran into the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan on Thursday afternoon. One drone hit the Nakhchivan International Airport terminal building, while the other exploded near a high school in Shakarabad village.
President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, immediately condemned the attacks as “acts of terrorism” and “shameless provocations” in a televised speech.
“This is a heinous strike on civilian facilities without any military necessity,” he said. “Iran must apologize and hold the perpetrators accountable.”
Aliyev has ordered Azerbaijani armed forces to be on full combat readiness and instructed the defense ministry to prepare “retaliatory measures.”
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador to lodge a strong protest.
Iran’s attacks are not limited to Azerbaijan, as its ballistic missile and drone activities in the Persian Gulf region have also sparked joint condemnation from multiple countries:
Turkey:
As a staunch ally of Azerbaijan, the Turkish Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attacks on Nakhchivan and warned Iran to stop spreading conflict to third countries. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had discussions with Azerbaijani officials on response strategies.
Qatar:
Despite Qatar’s role as a mediator in regional disputes, its territory was also threatened by missiles. The Qatari Defense Ministry confirmed intercepting 13 missiles and 4 drones and issued a rare statement strongly condemning Iran’s “irresponsible policies,” accusing them of “opening multiple dangerous fronts.”
Saudi Arabia:
The Saudi Foreign Ministry on Thursday criticized Iran’s hostile actions against Azerbaijan and Turkey (referring to earlier missile threats) as “indefensible acts of cowardice.” At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the Arab Group collectively condemned Iran for violating the sovereignty of countries like Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
European Union and GCC:
The foreign ministers of both sides held an emergency meeting on Thursday and issued a joint statement demanding Iran immediately stop “unjust attacks” on regional countries.
In response to Azerbaijan’s accusations, the Iranian regime denied carrying out the attacks, suggesting it could be a “false flag operation” orchestrated by Israel, but maintaining a defiant diplomatic stance. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi threatened that the US would feel “painful regret” for sinking the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena.
Analysts point out that while Iran’s drones were originally intended for US military bases, frequent miss-targeting of civilian and neighboring countries’ territories is quickly turning its neutral neighbors into adversaries.
The Wall Street Journal commented that this “erratic” strategy of attacks has not deterred the US and its allies but has instead led to increased deployment of forces in Cyprus by major European countries including Spain and Italy, creating a defensive front against Iran in the Middle East.