Amid the ongoing military escalation between Israel and Iran, the Azerbaijani government has renewed its call for Israel to exercise maximum caution in conducting operations near areas inhabited by ethnic Azerbaijanis in Iran, following reported strikes on military sites in Ardabil, according to AzerNews.
Through multiple diplomatic channels, Azerbaijan emphasized the need to avoid actions that could endanger civilians or damage civilian infrastructure, particularly in northwestern Iran, where a significant Azerbaijani population is concentrated.
Israel-Azerbaijan ties are strategically multifaceted—anchored by energy security, bolstered by defense procurement, and branching into high-tech, agriculture, water, and venture investment. The relationship is expanding well beyond military cooperation into a broad strategic and commercial alliance.
This partnership provides Israel with a steady oil supply and strategic depth near Iran. Azerbaijan gains military modernization, advanced tech, and diversification from traditional energy and Russian markets.
This marks the second diplomatic message from Baku to Tel Aviv in recent days, following an earlier appeal urging Israel to avoid targeting Azerbaijani-populated areas or damaging vital civilian infrastructure.
The renewed warning comes amid intensified Israeli strikes following the outbreak of direct hostilities on June 13. With civilian casualties reported on both sides, concern is mounting over the potential humanitarian fallout—particularly in Iran’s border regions, where large Azerbaijani communities reside.
Baku’s statements reflect a carefully calibrated stance: maintaining its strategic alliance with Israel while acknowledging its deep cultural and ethnic ties to the millions of Azerbaijanis living in Iran. Given that provinces like Ardabil are home to a substantial Azerbaijani population, further escalation risks inflaming regional tensions and triggering both humanitarian and political repercussions.
The Azerbaijani government said it continues to closely monitor developments and has reiterated its call for the protection of civilian lives and adherence to international humanitarian law in all military actions.
