Recently, amid the strained relations between Iran and Israel, "The Telegraph" published a sensational claim regarding Iran's plans to attack Israeli military objects in Azerbaijan. The article mentioned a debate within the Iranian government on how to respond to the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The generals of the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly advocated for direct strikes on Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities, focusing on military bases to avoid civilian casualties. However, the newly elected President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, allegedly proposed targeting secret Israeli bases in neighboring countries. The publication reminded readers of Iran's previous targeting of sites referred to as 'spy bases' by Israel's intelligence agency Mossad in Iraqi Kurdistan. Presidential aides revealed to "The Telegraph" that the IRGC seeks to undermine President Pezeshkian by advocating for more aggressive actions against Israel. One close aide to the president mentioned that Pezeshkian fears any direct attack on Israel could lead to severe consequences. Another aide suggested that Pezeshkian had proposed targeting Israel-related centers in the Republic of Azerbaijan or Iraqi Kurdistan, with prior warning to those countries, to avoid escalation. Pezeshkian reportedly engaged in intense discussions with IRGC commanders, attempting to prevent actions that could spiral out of control. His aides stated that he is using his influence in the office of the Supreme Leader to avoid war. An unnamed IRGC official told "The Telegraph" that there were internal discussions on how to counter Pezeshkian's efforts, with many believing his approach did not align with the revolution's reputation.

These media reports caused concern in Azerbaijan. However, official sources in Azerbaijan said they believe the statements attributed to the Iranian president are fake. Azerbaijan's general opinion is that this is misinformation aimed at disrupting the recent normalization of relations between Iran and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani authorities speculate that forces inside and outside Iran might be attempting to undermine the relationship due to Pezeshkian's Azerbaijani background and his reportedly warm attitude towards Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani sources suggested that it would be beneficial for the Iranian side to respond to these allegations, refute them, and put an end to the doubts.

Israeli Soldiers Ordered to Leave Azerbaijan and Georgia Amid Iran Threat

On August 12, Israel's official state television and radio company, Kan, reported that Israeli soldiers were banned from staying in Azerbaijan and Georgia due to the threat of an attack from Iran. 

According to the report, the Israeli Army leadership issued an order requiring Israelis who are currently not in active military service in these two South Caucasus republics to return to Israel immediately. 

Kan highlighted that Georgia and Azerbaijan are situated close to Iran, with Iranian citizens residing in these countries, and noted that Azerbaijan shares a common border with Iran.

Notably, amid strained relations between Iran and Israel, "The Telegraph" reported a debate within the Iranian government over how to respond to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. While IRGC generals advocated for direct strikes on Israeli cities, newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian proposed targeting secret Israeli bases in neighboring countries instead. Pezeshkian reportedly fears that direct attacks on Israel could lead to severe consequences and is using his influence to prevent escalation, engaging in intense discussions with IRGC commanders. However, some IRGC officials are reportedly countering Pezeshkian’s approach, believing it undermines the revolution's aggressive stance.