Azerbaijan Reopens Strategic Border with Iran Amid Tensions

Azerbaijan has reopened its border crossings with Iran for cargo traffic, following a closure due to alleged Iranian drone activity. The border is a crucial link between Iran and Russia. Iran's President assured Azerbaijan's President that Tehran was not involved in the incident and is conducting an investigation.

Azerbaijan has announced the reopening of its border crossings with Iran, allowing all cargo traffic to resume. This development comes after the recent closure of the crossings, which Azerbaijan attributed to an alleged Iranian drone attack in the Nakhchivan exclave.

These crossings serve as one of the shortest land routes connecting Iran to its ally, Russia. The closure had raised concerns about regional connectivity and trade implications.

In a diplomatic exchange, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian contacted Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, clarifying that Iran was not involved in the Nakhchivan incident and affirming that an investigation was underway, according to Aliyev's office.

(With inputs from agencies.)