The military strike by the United States and Israel against Iranian territory and the subsequent regional escalation have created a new and highly sensitive foreign policy reality for Azerbaijan. Baku has found itself at the epicenter of rapidly unfolding events. Azerbaijan is a neighbor of Iran, a strategic partner of Western states, and at the same time a country deeply interested in maintaining stability along its southern borders.
Today (March 1), President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev extended his condolences to President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian over the tragic death of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. In his message, the head of state emphasized that Khamenei had played an important role in Iran’s state and societal life for many years, occupying a special place in the country’s political and religious system, and that his passing represents a great loss for the Iranian people. Aliyev expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and to the “friendly and brotherly people of Iran,” wishing Iran peace, stability, and prosperity.
At the same time, Baku intensified diplomatic contacts. Earlier today, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov held a phone conversation with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi. The parties discussed the situation resulting from the military actions and the growing regional tensions. The Iranian side briefed on the current developments and the steps being taken, while the Azerbaijani foreign minister expressed serious concern over the escalation, conveyed condolences over the death of the Supreme Leader and civilians, and stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
A principled position articulated by Baku was that Azerbaijan’s territory cannot be used by any country against neighboring and friendly Iran. This message reflects an effort to maintain a balance between strategic partnerships and good-neighborly relations, minimizing the risks of being drawn into direct confrontation.
At the same time, Azerbaijan has effectively assumed a humanitarian role as a regional evacuation hub. Through the Astara border checkpoint, the evacuation of citizens of both Azerbaijan and third countries is ongoing.
From 08:00 on February 28 to March 1, dozens of people were evacuated across the Azerbaijani-Iranian border. As the situation developed, the figures were updated: initially, 13 evacuees were reported, including one Italian citizen and 12 Azerbaijani citizens; later, 31 people; subsequently, nearly 60 Azerbaijani citizens, as well as citizens of Italy and Tajikistan and members of the Saudi Arabian diplomatic mission.
By midday on March 1, the total number of evacuated Azerbaijani citizens had reached 53, while safe passage was also ensured for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Jordan, Qatar, Italy, and Türkiye.
