According to a CNN report, Israel discreetly sent elite special forces, rescue teams and Mossad agents to Azerbaijan during the conflict with Iran
These military personnel operated in locations near the northern Iranian border, collecting intelligence, supporting drone missions and preparing for possible pilot rescues.
Sources consulted by CNN indicate that Israeli forces operated in several positions in southern Azerbaijan, just around 100 kilometers from the Iranian city of Tabriz, one of the targets hit by Israel.
This proximity has allowed it to closely monitor military activities in northern Iran, offering an important strategic advantage.
This presence in Azerbaijan was part of a larger network of secret positions set up by Israel in several countries in the region.
Additionally, the country maintained hidden facilities in Iraq, sent air defense systems and personnel to the United Arab Emirates, and utilized sites in Somaliland, Africa.
Together, these points surrounded much of Iran’s borders, expanding the reach of Israeli operations.
Azerbaijan denied the information.
A spokesman for the country’s embassy in Washington said it strongly rejects any allegations that its territory has been used for operations against other countries.
Neither the Israeli government nor the Israel Defense Forces have commented on the matter.
Preparation in advance
Israeli preparations in Azerbaijan began months before the war.
Since January, when tensions with Iran were rising, Israel has installed surveillance and intelligence equipment along the border.
The initial idea was to carry out the operation as part of larger attacks planned for mid-January, but these attacks were postponed.
Even so, Israel carried out parts of the secret mission independently.
A long-standing strategic partnership
Israel and Azerbaijan have had a close relationship for years, based on security, intelligence and energy.
Azerbaijan supplies much of the oil used by Israel, while Israel is one of Baku’s main weapons suppliers.
Israeli weapons have been used by Azeris in conflicts with Armenia, and Azerbaijan was the first country to purchase the Iron Dome air defense system in 2016.
This partnership has also appeared in other recent moments.
Shortly after the reported operation, Israel’s Foreign Minister visited Baku and met with President Ilham Aliyev.
Azerbaijan also quietly hosted direct talks between Israeli and Syrian representatives.
Operations attributed to Azerbaijan
One of the most important actions launched from there, according to CNN, was the elimination, on March 4, of Rahman Moghaddam, head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s intelligence division.
Israel accused him of planning an attack on Donald Trump in 2024.
The following day, Iranian drones attacked an airport in the Azerbaijani enclave of Nakhchivan, prompting President Aliyev to accuse Iran of terrorism.
Two days later, Azerbaijani authorities announced that they had thwarted an alleged Revolutionary Guard plot against Israeli and Jewish infrastructure and targets in the country.
A broad regional presence
Azerbaijan was just one piece of a larger effort.
Israel also set up secret bases in Iraq for logistical support and rescue, positioned Iron Dome batteries in the United Arab Emirates, and gained access to facilities in Somaliland that could serve as a staging post for long-distance flights.
Analysts consulted by CNN see this cooperation as part of a long-standing Israeli strategy: maintaining discreet but strong ties with Azerbaijan, based on arms sales, intelligence exchange and common concern about Iran.
The report shows how Israel has built an extensive regional infrastructure to support its operations against Tehran, with the help – voluntary or not – of neighboring countries.
Published in 06/05/2026 11h22
Text adapted by AI (Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption.
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