CNN reports on Azerbaijan's possible involvement in a war between Israel and Iran
During the conflict between Israel and Iran, Israeli special forces allegedly operated from Azerbaijani territory, coordinating operations near the Iranian border. Elite forces were stationed there, and border areas were used for reconnaissance and to support attacks. At the same time, official Baku categorically rejects these accusations.
The international news outlet CNN, citing its own sources, reported on Israel’s alleged covert use of Azerbaijani territory during the military standoff with Iran, where, according to journalists, elite units and Mossad agents may have been operating to coordinate operations in border areas. According to sources, dozens of special forces personnel may have been deployed along the border, particularly at posts located approximately 96 kilometers from the Iranian city of Tabriz, which came under attack during the conflict.
Initially, these forces reportedly performed exclusively rescue functions, but their role may have later expanded to include intelligence activities and support for drone operations that influenced the course of hostilities. The article also notes that, according to unconfirmed reports, similar facilities may have existed not only in Azerbaijan but also in a number of other countries in the region, including Iraq, the UAE, and the self-proclaimed Somaliland.
Separately, the journalists cite an example of an operation allegedly carried out in March against Rahman Mohaddam, a high-ranking official of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which may have been linked to such intelligence networks. At the same time, this information has not been officially confirmed by the parties to the conflict and is based on sources that are not fully disclosed.
In response, the Azerbaijani Embassy in the U.S. told CNN that it categorically rejects all accusations regarding the use of the country’s territory for any operations against third countries, calling such claims baseless. Thus, the situation remains at the level of media reports and mutual denials, with no officially confirmed evidence from either side. CNN reports this, citing sources.
Earlier, Iran launched a missile strike on the Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, where U.S. military personnel and contractors were stationed. The attack resulted in minor injuries among personnel, as well as damage to U.S. drones. The incident occurred amid U.S. efforts to negotiate an extension of the ceasefire with Tehran.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and continues to interact with his inner circle, although he does so cautiously and primarily through written messages and intermediaries. Officials in Washington note that his activity has been increasing recently.
