After Israel's FM visit, Iran defense chief in Azerbaijan, meets Aliyev
Iran and Azerbaijan remain at odds over the latter’s close ties with Israel in defense and energy.
Iran’s defense minister met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on Friday amid renewed US-Iran diplomacy and 10 days after a high-profile trip to Azerbaijan by Israel’s foreign minister.
What happened: Nasirzadeh held talks with Aliyev on regional stability and bilateral defense ties, according to a statement released by the Azerbaijani presidency. Azerbaijan’s defense minister, Zakir Hasanov, was also present.
In a statement released by his office, Aliyev told the Iranian defense chief that Azerbaijan “is concerned about the current situation in the region and stands ready to provide its support to de-escalate the tensions.”
The meeting took place as envoys from the United States and Iran held indirect nuclear negotiations in Oman on Friday, convening for the first time since the Iranian government’s deadly crackdown on protesters sparked warnings of US military action.
