Mohammad Pakpour Warns Azerbaijan

The commander of the ground forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour, has warned neighboring countries not to allow the "Zionist regime to use their territory as a refuge," stating that "neighboring governments know better why Iran is conducting exercises in border regions."

According to him, the Islamic Republic will not tolerate the transformation of its neighbors' territories into a safe haven and base for the presence and activities of the "Zionist regime." As noted by Tasnim, without directly mentioning Azerbaijan, whose president has expressed concern about Iranian military exercises near the common border, the IRGC general stated, "We cannot agree with the provocative remarks made by certain countries, influenced by third parties, regarding the enhancement of the Islamic Republic’s military readiness. Neighboring governments know better than anyone the reasons behind Iran’s military exercises."

Pakpour criticized Azerbaijan for using Israeli combat drones during the recent war with Armenia, asserting that Iran's neighbors must not allow such a "Zionist regime to use their country for malicious and criminal purposes." He added, "There is no doubt that the Zionist regime aids and supports certain countries in the region to create discord among Muslim nations."

He warned that any issues concerning the international borders of countries inevitably lead to new conflicts and tensions, especially if such issues serve the goals of the Israeli regime. "We will never allow a neighboring country to be a source and base for the creation and dissemination of such problems," he emphasized.

The commander described efforts to prevent changes in the borders of neighboring states as the Islamic Republic’s priority policy, stating, "We believe that any geopolitical changes in the region disrupt our internal security, and we have always considered this a red line. Therefore, it is natural that we will not remain indifferent to this."