In recent days, tensions between Azerbaijan and Iran have reached a historic peak. Disputes between the states have remained and continue to rise even after utilising diplomatic channels.

Message of the Iranian religious leader addressed Baku

Speaking at the Imam Hussein Military School's graduation ceremony on October 4, Iranian Supreme Religious Leader Khamenei said that "the solution to the events in northwestern Iran and some neighbouring countries is to prevent foreign forces from intervening in those countries."

In addition, the supreme religious leader noted that "those who think they can secure themselves by relying on others will soon be punished by slapping."

“Everyone should know that those who dig wells for their brothers will fall first,” Khamenei said.

"Other states should not come from thousands of kilometres away and interfere militarily in matters unrelated to their people. It is a great honour if a country can ensure its security and stability with a powerful army. And those who think that they can rely on others to ensure their safety should know that they will soon be hit by it,” he added.

Because Khamenei does not mean Armenia, Azerbaijan is a neighbour in the north-west, and the "foreign powers" are probably Turkey and Israel.

It is known that this message of the Iranian religious leader was addressed to Baku.

Azerbaijan has taken several steps against Iran's border exercises and Khamenei's views:

- Turkey and Azerbaijan have started new military exercises in Nakhchivan (October 5-8).

- Turkish Defence Ministry states that it is "closely following the events in the region."

- At the military meeting held by Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov, along with Karabakh, the situation on the border was analysed, and instructions were given on combat readiness.

Khamenei's office closed

Khamenei's office in Baku has been closed (oficially, due to the unusual circumstances related to the pandemic).

As contradictions between Iran and Azerbaijan continues to grow, some Iranian-affiliated institutions are being shut down.

It should be noted that the Azerbaijani public demanded the immediate expulsion of Seyyed Aliakbar Ojagnejad, the representative of the Iranian religious leader Ayatollah Khamenei in Azerbaijan. The closure of Imam Khamenei's office can be considered as the first step in this direction.

The Husseiniyya Mosque in Baku has been closed since the morning of October 5.

According to the report, on October 5, police officers approached the mosque, took the keys to the place of worship from the security service of Husseiniyya and removed him.

It should be noted that Seyyed Aliakbar Ojagnejad, the representative of the Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei in Azerbaijan, acted as an imam in the mosque.

It should be noted that the leaders of the two countries have issued warnings against the recent escalation of Iranian-Azerbaijani relations Khamenei said that the inclusion of the "Zionist regime in Israel" in the region could lead to a "major catastrophe" in the future.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev denied the accusations during his visit to Jabrayil and asked for facts. Aliyev even said that this accusation would not go unanswered.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan's official visit to Iran

On October 4, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan paid an official visit to Iran.

A joint press conference of the Iranian and Armenian foreign ministers was held in Tehran. Hussein Amir Abdullahian said that relations between Armenia and Iran are constructive and developing.

In the last 20 days, the foreign ministers of the two countries have met three times: in Dushanbe, New York, and Tehran. He noted that in addition to political ties, an agreement was reached to expand these ties in the fields of economy, tourism, and trade.

"We have developed a program for the restoration of communication routes and transit routes between the two countries, which will be implemented quickly. In the coming weeks, we will see more activity in all areas of relations. We are seriously concerned about the presence of Zionists and terrorists in the South Caucasus,” Abdullahian said.

“We loudly declare that we will not allow foreign countries to influence relations with Iran's neighbours, including Armenia. Given the regional crises, including the end of the coronavirus crisis, we must declare that our region will not tolerate delusions. All countries in the region must come to the conclusion that the region's problems must be resolved without foreign interference," he said.

Aliyev's answer to Khamenei

President Ilham Aliyev said that Baku did not accept the "baseless accusations" of the Iranian side that Azerbaijan "allegedly brought Israel to its territory."

"Unfounded accusations against us will not go unanswered," President Aliyev said during a visit to the Jabrayil region.

"We show good intentions. But it does not mean that we will accept baseless accusations against us. I say this here - in Jabrayil, here on the banks of the Araz River, baseless accusations against the Azerbaijani people and the whole world, against us will not go unanswered," Ilham Aliyev said.

"We deny, deny these allegations and demand evidence," he added.

According to Aliyev, recently "when some Iranian provincial mullahs opened their mouths and fabricated slanders against Azerbaijan," Baku did not pay attention to it.

"But then, unfortunately, the officials started making baseless accusations against us. It is as if Azerbaijan brought Israel to these regions. Let them open their eyes and see. Where did they see Israel here?! No one lives here. There is no building here. Is there evidence? No. If there is no evidence, everyone should be held accountable for what they say. We cannot allow anyone to fabricate baseless slander against us," the President said.

Interestingly, during his visit, the President also took pictures with Israeli-made Harop UAVs. This can be seen as a symbolic response to Iran's accusations against Israel.

It is also worthy to note that on October 5, Iranian Foreign Minister Hussein Amir Abdullahian has left for Moscow at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Hussein Amir Abdullahian and Sergey Lavrov are expected to discuss Iran-Russia relations, regional and international issues.