Iranian Drone Attack Targets Azerbaijan Airport as Regional Tensions Escalate

An Iranian drone attack targeted Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave on Thursday, March 5, 2026, injuring two civilians and causing material damage at the airport. The incident marks a new escalation in regional tensions amid the ongoing conflict initiated by the United States and Israel and the subsequent retaliation from Tehran.

Details of the Attack

According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the attack occurred around 12 noon local time (08:00 GMT). One drone struck the terminal building of Nakhchivan Airport, while another fell near a school building in the village of Shakarabad . Reuters reported that two people were injured in the attacks . Explosions were also reported near a school in Shekarabad .

Azerbaijan’s Response

Azerbaijan strongly condemned the drone attacks, attributing them to Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded a “clear explanation” from Iran and stated that Azerbaijan “reserves the right to take appropriate response measures.” Azerbaijan has summoned Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Demirchilou to protest the incident . WIONews reports that Azerbaijan is preparing a response to the Iranian drone attack .

Regional Context

Nakhchivan, an autonomous exclave of Azerbaijan, borders both Iran and Turkey. It was part of a US-brokered peace deal signed last year between Armenia and Azerbaijan, establishing a land corridor known as the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) . This corridor aims to connect Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan and create a passage between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Escalating Conflict

The attack on Azerbaijan comes as the conflict initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran continues. Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has claimed an attack on an American oil tanker, and Israel has announced a “large-scale wave of attacks” on Tehran . Israeli attacks in Lebanon have also resulted in casualties, with threats targeting Iranian officials .

Further Developments

Reports indicate that shrapnel from drones has injured six people in Abu Dhabi, and footage suggests an Iranian fighter jet has been shot down . Israeli airstrikes have hit two indoor sports halls in Tehran, reportedly used by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and Basij as rallying points .