Iran Conducts Active Intelligence and Diversionary Operations Against Azerbaijan, Says Azerbaijani Official

The strained relations between Iran and Azerbaijan continue to escalate. Azerbaijani media reported today that during a discussion at the National Security Council in Baku, the Deputy Chief of the State Security Service, Lieutenant General Jeihun Shadlinsky, leveled accusations against Iran.

He specifically stated that Iranian intelligence agencies are carrying out active intelligence and diversionary operations against Azerbaijan. The lieutenant general added that decisive measures have been taken; however, he did not disclose what specific measures have been implemented.

It should be noted that just days ago, Baku announced that the National Security Service had uncovered and detained five Azerbaijani citizens who were allegedly engaged in espionage for the Islamic Republic of Iran. They have been charged with treason.

Among the detainees is the captain of one of the ships in the Caspian oil fleet, Zaher Askeferov, who, according to Azerbaijan's National Security Service, was recruited by Iranian intelligence services and provided information about military exercises in the Caspian Sea, foreign companies operating in Azerbaijan, and cargo being brought to ports in exchange for monetary rewards.