President Ilham Aliyev revealed that Azerbaijan provided critical humanitarian assistance for the evacuation of Iranian diplomatic staff from Lebanon, despite recent hostile actions taken by Tehran against the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
Speaking at a meeting of the Security Council, the head of state noted that the request for assistance came directly from Tehran. Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the President instructed immediate support after being informed that Iranian officials were unable to evacuate their personnel independently. "I was reported on the matter and immediately gave instructions to provide help and send a plane. They even mentioned they were ready to pay for it. I said it was not necessary; if we do not help in a difficult time, then when should we?" President Ilham Aliyev stated.
The President expressed sharp criticism regarding the subsequent behavior of the Iranian side, characterizing the strikes on Nakhchivan as a betrayal of this humanitarian spirit. "In return for all this, to strike Nakhchivan in such a cowardly and unmanly manner? This stain will never be washed away from their ugly face. Therefore, all necessary measures will be taken through diplomatic channels," the head of state emphasized.
The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, an exclave of Azerbaijan, has recently faced increased regional tensions. Azerbaijan has consistently maintained a policy of providing humanitarian aid and regional cooperation, while simultaneously upholding its national security and territorial integrity. This incident underscores the complex diplomatic challenges in the region as Azerbaijan continues to balance humanitarian principles with firm responses to external threats.
