BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 9. Recent developments
indicate that tensions in Iran-Azerbaijan relations have entered a
new stage, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.
Garayev said information released by Azerbaijan’s security
authorities and events unfolding in the region show that official
Tehran continues attempts to destabilize the country through
various means. According to him, this demonstrates that security
challenges from the Iranian direction are increasing.
“Comprehensive counterintelligence measures carried out by the
State Security Service (SSS) revealed that individuals linked to
the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had planned several
terrorist and sabotage acts in Azerbaijan. According to the
investigation materials, the main goal of these plans was to
undermine stability in the country, create panic within society,
and damage Azerbaijan’s international reputation. The planned
attacks targeted strategic and sensitive facilities. Among the
potential targets were the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the
Embassy of Israel in Azerbaijan, the Ashkenazi synagogue operating
in Baku, and a representative of the Mountain Jewish religious
community. During the investigation, it was also determined that
several explosive devices, including powerful C-4 explosives, had
been smuggled into the country and stored in various hidden
locations.
As a result of the SSS intervention, the use of these explosives
was prevented. Investigations showed that the coordination of the
terrorist plans was carried out by individuals directly connected
to Iranian intelligence structures. It was established that the
intelligence units of the IRGC stood behind these operations and
that Iranian citizens actively participated in the process. Some of
them attempted to create criminal networks within Azerbaijan and
recruit local citizens by offering various promises and financial
incentives. According to the investigation materials, in some
cases, tens of thousands of dollars were promised for carrying out
terrorist acts. In addition, it was discovered that an
assassination attempt had been planned against one of the public
figures in Azerbaijan, with the individual’s workplace monitored
and photo and video materials collected,” he said.
According to Garayev, these events demonstrate that security
risks linked to Iran are not limited to intelligence activities but
are also accompanied by direct plans for terrorism and
sabotage.
“Official Baku has long stated that it supports maintaining
stability in the region and developing relations with neighboring
countries based on mutual respect. However, recent events show that
certain forces have not abandoned their intentions to escalate
tensions in the region and undermine stability within Azerbaijan.
In particular, security challenges coming from the Iranian
direction have become more pronounced recently. For example, the
drone attack launched from Iran against civilian infrastructure in
the Nakhchivan direction several days ago. This incident once again
shows that various forms of pressure and provocation against
Azerbaijan continue from the Iranian side. The selection of energy
infrastructure, diplomatic missions, and religious communities as
targets for terrorist plans is not accidental. Such targets are
intended to undermine internal stability, create international
resonance, and damage Azerbaijan’s relations with its partners,” he
said.
Garayev noted that the prevention of the planned terrorist acts
through operations conducted by security authorities demonstrates
the effective functioning of the country’s security system.
“Investigative measures are currently ongoing, and efforts are
being made to identify other individuals linked to foreign
intelligence services. These developments once again show that amid
growing geopolitical tensions in the region, Azerbaijan is facing
various security challenges. Nevertheless, the coordinated work of
state institutions plays a crucial role in preventing such threats
promptly and maintaining the country’s stability,” he added.
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