Tehran: President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for a thorough investigation into reports indicating that Israeli drones and micro-aircraft may have violated Iranian airspace through Azerbaijani territory. In a recent phone conversation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Pezeshkian highlighted Iran’s stance against initiating conflicts and denounced the Israeli regime for violating international law by attacking Iranian sites, including nuclear facilities, which he described as a ‘crime against humanity.’

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Pezeshkian criticized the United Nations for its failure to condemn the Israeli strikes, which resulted in civilian casualties and targeted non-military areas. He noted the timing of the attacks, which occurred during ongoing diplomatic negotiations, and pointed out that despite American assurances that Israel would not act without U.S. approval, the attack preceded the sixth round of talks, effectively halting the negotiation process.

Pezeshkian also addressed the perceived ‘double standards’ of the United States, which subsequently bombed Iranian nuclear sites on the eighth day of the conflict, prompting Iran to retaliate against a U.S. base in Qatar. He clarified to the Qatari Emir that the strike was solely against the American facility and not a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.

Reaffirming Iran’s commitment to peaceful regional relations, Pezeshkian expressed a desire for stability and respect for the territorial integrity of neighboring countries. He also voiced hope for enhanced cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan.

In response, President Aliyev expressed regret over the Israeli attacks and their impact on civilians. He welcomed the ceasefire and reiterated Azerbaijan’s respect for Iran’s sovereignty. Aliyev rejected reports that Azerbaijani airspace had been used by Israeli drones, assuring that Azerbaijan maintains strict control over its airspace and would never allow it to be used against Iran.

Aliyev stressed Azerbaijan’s interest in strengthening ties with Iran in economic, political, and security domains and suggested sending an Iranian delegation to Baku for upcoming trilateral discussions on the North-South Corridor project. Additionally, he invited President Pezeshkian to attend the upcoming ECO summit in Azerbaijan.