Azerbaijan denies CNN report that Israel used its soil against Iran amid ongoing war
Azerbaijan's foreign ministry categorically rejected a CNN report — citing anonymous sources — that Israeli military and intelligence units operated from its territory during the ongoing Israel–Iran war, calling the claims "totally unfounded" and offering to examine any evidence presented. Spokesperson Aytan Hajizada reiterated Baku's longstanding line that it pursues a "balanced foreign policy," maintaining strong ties with Israel while cooperating with neighboring Iran, with whom it shares a roughly 700 km border. The denial comes against a backdrop of recent tension, including a reported 5 March Iranian drone strike on the Nakhchivan exclave that injured civilians. Separately, energy diplomacy featured prominently: Czech PM Andrej Babiš said Prague aims to transit Azerbaijani gas and oil through Ukraine, and Turkey proposed a TANAP-style electricity corridor to carry Azerbaijani power to Europe. Azerbaijan also reported the deaths of five of its citizens (sailors) in an attack in the Azov Sea.
Why it matters
Azerbaijan has long balanced a deep defense and energy partnership with Israel against its sensitive border with Iran, which has repeatedly accused Baku of hosting Israeli operations targeting Tehran. Allegations of Azerbaijani territory being used in an active Israel–Iran war would sharply raise the risk of direct Iranian retaliation and reshape security dynamics across the South Caucasus. Meanwhile, Europe's drive to replace Russian hydrocarbons is elevating Azerbaijan's role as an alternative energy hub, making transit routes through Ukraine and new electricity corridors strategically consequential.