Middle East conflict escalates: Iranian drone strikes Nakhchivan airport in Azerbaijan

Tehran: The conflict between Iran and Israel, backed by the United States, showed signs of widening beyond the Middle East on Thursday after reports emerged that Iran‑linked drones struck the Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan’s exclave, signalling a broader escalation of hostilities.

According to AFP, citing local media, an Iranian drone hit Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan. Videos and witness reports circulating online showed explosions and smoke around the airport though officials in Baku had not immediately confirmed the extent of any damage or whether the airport was the intended target.

Also read | Flight cancelled? Check Air India’s new refund and rescheduling policy amid Middle East instability

The attacks around midday involved at least two drones that crossed from Iran into Azerbaijan's exclave of Nakhichevan, which borders Iran and is separated from mainland Azerbaijan by Armenia, said a foreign ministry statement.

"One drone fell on the terminal building of Nakhichevan Airport, while another drone fell near a school building in the village of Shekerabad," the ministry said, damaging the airport and wounding two civilians.

The ministry said it had summoned Iranian envoy in Baku to express "strong protest" over the attack, which "contradicts the norms and principles of international law and contributes to rising tensions in the region.

"Azerbaijan reserves the right to take appropriate retaliatory measures," it added.

Iran has long expressed concern that Israel -- a close ally of Azerbaijan and a key arms supplier -- could use Azerbaijani territory to stage attacks.

In a separate development, the Israeli military said it identified a fresh round of missiles launched from Iran, the sixth day of a war engulfing the Middle East.

"A short while ago, the IDF (military) identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," the military said in a statement.

Also read | Kanwal Sibal says US ignored India’s sensitivities; IRIS Dena was defenceless and without ammunition

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said it began new strikes against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon. At least eight people were killed there late Wednesday into Thursday, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry and the state news agency.

Tehran has warned of the destruction of the Middle East’s military and economic infrastructure, and the war has rattled financial markets, with most taking their cues from what the price of oil is doing. Early Thursday, oil prices resumed their ascent.

Also read | ‘PM surrendered our strategic autonomy,’ Rahul Gandhi slams govt amid Iranian warship sinking

The US and Israel launched military strikes on Iran on February 28, killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Following the military offensive, Iran has carried out a wave of attacks mainly targeting Israel and American military bases in several Gulf countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

In the last few days, the conflict has widened significantly with attacks and counter-attacks by both sides.