Azerbaijan’s Aliyev expects apology from Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei over insult

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has called for the punishment of Hassan Ameli, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s representative in Ardabil, for making insulting remarks about Azerbaijan and its leadership. Aliyev demanded Ameli’s removal from his position and an official apology to Azerbaijan.

Why it matters

Aliyev’s comments highlight escalating tensions between Azerbaijan and Iran. Strained relations have deepened due to mutual accusations, border exercises, and unresolved issues stemming from the Second Karabakh War. Azerbaijan’s firm stance underscores its dissatisfaction with Iran’s recent actions and rhetoric.

Details

• Ameli’s remarks: Ameli’s statements reportedly included insults directed at both Aliyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during an official event. Aliyev dismissed Iran’s Foreign Ministry’s expression of regret as insufficient

An official apology is necessary.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev

• Iran-Azerbaijan disputes: Aliyev noted that relations with Iran’s previous administration soured due to incidents such as Iranian fuel trucks supplying Karabakh while it was under Armenian control.
• Border tensions: After the Karabakh War, Iran conducted military drills near the border. Azerbaijan responded with its own exercises to assert its sovereignty.

Zoom in

Aliyev highlighted the attack on Azerbaijan’s embassy in Tehran, which he described as an “organized event.” He criticized Iran for not carrying out the death penalty against the perpetrator, despite promises made by the late Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

Zoom out

Aliyev’s remarks reflect Azerbaijan’s growing frustration with Iran’s actions, including inflammatory rhetoric, unaddressed threats, and perceived hostility. He emphasized the importance of accountability.

Ameli must be punished, at the very least removed from his position, and an apology must be made to Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev