Iranian Drone Strike Hits Nakhchivan Airport, Injures Civilians

Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan – Iranian drones struck Nakhchivan International Airport on March 5, 2026, around noon local time, injuring two to four civilians and escalating tensions between the neighboring countries. One drone hit the airport terminal while another landed near a village school in Shekerabad, according to a U.S. Embassy security alert.

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev condemned the attack as a "despicable terrorist act" and vowed "Iron Fist" retaliation against future strikes. Azerbaijan responded by placing its armed forces on full combat readiness, shutting down cross-border traffic with Iran, and evacuating diplomatic staff from Tehran and Tabriz. The Foreign Ministry summoned Iran's ambassador, demanding an explanation and apology for the violation of international law.

Iranian officials denied involvement, with the Armed Forces General Staff and President Masoud Pezeshkian claiming the attack may have been a "Zionist" provocation or third-party act. The incident occurred during the sixth day of fighting between Iran and U.S.-Israeli forces, which saw over 1,000 drones intercepted over the UAE. While no immediate flight suspensions were reported at Nakhchivan Airport, regional aviation faced disruptions including flight suspensions at Dubai International Airport due to Iranian drone activity.