Azerbaijan has called for Israel to avoid military strikes on Azeri populated regions in Iran, according to AzerNews. This comes after Israel launched strikes on the Iranian city of Ardabil just 40 kilometers from the Azeri border. 

On June 13, Israel initiated operation “Rising Lion” in an effort to quell Tehran’s nuclear program. Israel’s military operation has targeted sites in the north-western city of Tabriz in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province. Ethnic Azeris make up 17.1% (approx. 15-25 million) of Iran’s population and are heavily concentrated in East Azerbaijan. 

 Ethnic demography of Iran (Wikimedia Commons)

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Azeri citizens to refrain from traveling to both Israel and Iran. It especially cautioned its citizens in Iran to avoid military and nuclear facilities. 

Azerbaijan’s foreign minister reassured his Iranian counterpart that its territory will not be used by third countries to attack Iran. If heeded, the warning from Azerbaijan could also grant reprieve to Iran with Israel avoiding targets in the north-eastern provinces. 

Baku previously expressed its concern towards Israel’s military operation and “resolutely condemned” the escalation of the situation, urging for all parties to maintain dialogue through diplomatic channels. 

Tehran has ruled out further nuclear negotiations with Washington until Israel halts its strikes. However, there have been reports that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi have spoken in several phone calls since June 13. President Donald Trump has stated that he will decide within two weeks whether the United States intervene in the conflict.

The conflict has concentrated air traffic over Azerbaijan and the wider Trans-Caspian Corridor. (FlightRadar24)

It is reported that more than 600 people of 17 nationalities have fled into Azerbaijan since the start of the conflict. Notably, the United States has advised its citizens in Iran to Azerbaijan as one potential departure route. Australia has relocated its consular staff from Iran to Azerbaijan. Baku claims that more than 1,200 citizens from 51 countries have requested permission to enter Azerbaijan from Iran. 

In recent years, Israel has become a key partner and arms supplier to Azerbaijan, providing Baku with strategic space to navigate its relations with Israel. Current calls from Azerbaijan for Israeli restraint may be an effort to prevent the worsening of a humanitarian crisis, but it also demonstrates its ability to extend protections to its compatriots abroad.