Israel Deploys Special Military and Intelligence Units in Azerbaijan During Iran Conflict

Washington, D.C. It has been revealed that Israel secretly deployed its special military and intelligence units in Azerbaijan during the war with Iran. CNN has published this information citing four sources. 

According to these sources, Israel maintained its presence in Azerbaijan as part of a secret military network spread across West Asia, with the objective of supporting military operations against Iran. 

These forces were operating from various locations in the southern region of Azerbaijan, which borders Iran's northern border. The closest point was said to be only about 60 miles from the Iranian city of Tabriz, where Israel had also carried out attacks during the war. 

According to sources, special commando units collected intelligence and operated drones from there, giving Israel the ability to directly monitor Iran's northern part. 

This secret deployment extended to locations other than Azerbaijan. Sources have said that similar secret military structures were also present in Iraq, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Somaliland. Although these units were initially planned for rescue operations in emergency situations, their role was later expanded to military and intelligence gathering. 

Overall, these deployments have helped the Israeli army create a pincer-like situation from the south, west, and north of Iran, according to sources. It is also said to have given Israel the capability to attack deep inside Iran. Dozens of soldiers were involved in the operation in Azerbaijan, including members of Israel's Special Operations Force, Elite Heliborne Combat and Rescue Force, and Mossad, according to one source. 

However, a spokesperson for Azerbaijan's embassy in Washington has denied these allegations. He said, 'We strongly deny the baseless claims regarding the use of Azerbaijani territory for actions against third countries.' CNN has reported contacting the Prime Minister's Office of Israel and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for comment on this matter. 

According to the report, Somaliland also provided an additional location for Israel's military support, which helped aircraft land for long-distance flights. In December, Israel formally recognized Somaliland, and the UAE also has a significant presence in the Berbera port area. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland has not commented on this. It is also said that Israel operated two secret military facilities in Iraq, which were used for logistical support and rescue operations if needed. However, the Iraqi army has claimed that there are no unauthorized military bases in their country. 

Meanwhile, Israel had also deployed the Iron Dome air defense system in the UAE, which included soldiers operating it. The UAE has denied the claims made about the leaders' visits. The report states that Israel has long viewed Azerbaijan as a strategic partner against Iran. Secret preparations were made here a few weeks before the war began. 

According to sources, in mid-January, while Iran was suppressing widespread protests, Israel was preparing for a secret mission on the Azerbaijan-Iran border. In this initial phase, listening devices and intelligence equipment were installed in the area. 

Israel had planned to implement the operation in mid-January with the initial attacks of the war. However, US President Donald Trump stopped the attack at the last moment, claiming that Iran had agreed to stop the protests. 

After that, Israel is said to have proceeded with the operation in its own way. Sources say that the Israeli Air Force installed surveillance equipment using stealth jets and special forces. This intelligence center is said to have helped in collecting information, including Iranian military activities and missile launch preparations. 

Within two weeks, Israel's Foreign Minister Gidon Saar met with the President of Azerbaijan and other high-ranking officials in Baku. It is also said that Azerbaijan hosted secret direct talks between Israel and Syria in May 2025. 

The report mentions that in a major operation on March 4, IRGC intelligence chief Rahman Moghaddam was assassinated. Following this, on March 5, a drone attack occurred in the Nakhchivan region of Azerbaijan, damaging the airport terminal. 

On March 6, the Azerbaijan State Security Service announced that it had foiled a plan to attack IRGC's critical infrastructure and Israeli and Jewish targets. Later, Israel admitted that this was a joint operation of Mossad, the Israeli army, and Shin Bet, according to reports. 

This report describes the relationship between Israel and Azerbaijan as a long-term strategic partnership linked to oil trade, arms sales, and military cooperation. Azerbaijan supplies a large amount of oil to Israel, and in return, Israel provides modern weapons to Azerbaijan.