US President Donald Trump on Saturday attended the return of the first six American soldiers killed during the escalating conflict with Iran. The remains were received at Dover Air Force Base the United States and Israel launched a broad military campaign against Iran.
Meanwhile, tensions in the region intensified. Iran’s military on Saturday called on Azerbaijan to “expel the Zionists” to preserve security, following Baku’s allegations that Tehran had plotted attacks on its territory. Israel, a close ally of Azerbaijan and a key arms supplier, has long been accused by Tehran of using Azerbaijani territory for intelligence operations.
“We declare to Iran’s neighbouring country, the Republic of Azerbaijan, as a Muslim country, to expel the Zionists from that country in order to prevent the spread of insecurity in the region and not to endanger the security of its people and Islamic Iran,” a military spokesperson said.
Azerbaijan claimed on Friday it had foiled multiple Iranian-planned attacks targeting an oil pipeline, a synagogue, and Jewish community leaders. Iran has not commented on these accusations.
The situation further escalated on Thursday when at least four drones crashed into Azerbaijan’s exclave of Nakhchivan, including one that struck an airport. Baku attributed the attacks to Tehran, while Iran denied involvement and accused Israel of attempting to stage a provocation.
