Iran: Azerbaijan plans to suspend operations of its embassy in Tehran following Jan. 27 shooting incident

Event

As of Jan. 28, the government of Azerbaijan is engaged in the process of suspending operations at its embassy in Tehran. The move comes in response to a Jan. 27 shooting attack at the facility in which a gunman killed the embassy's chief of security and wounded two others. Shortly after the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Baku announced plans to evacuate embassy staff and their families due to security concerns. Azerbaijani authorities did not immediately give an indication as to when the suspension will officially enter into effect or when normal operations at the diplomatic mission may resume. The Azerbaijani Consulate General in Tabriz in the East Azerbaijan Province of Iran will likely continue to operate normally.

A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are likely around the embassy over the coming days. Disruptions to embassy services are almost certain.

Context

The Jan. 27 shooting incident targeting the Azerbaijani Embassy in Tehran is under investigation, and Iranian authorities have arrested the perpetrator. Iranian authorities have attributed the shooting to "personal motivations," while Azerbaijani officials have called it a "terrorist attack." Additionally, Baku asserts that Tehran had failed to take previous threats directed at its embassy seriously.

Relations have been tense between Iran and Azerbaijan due to several diverging interests the two countries are pursuing. While Baku has demonstrated frustration over Iran's close ties with Armenia, Tehran has similarly been suspicious of Azerbaijan's friendly relations with Israel and Turkey.

Advice

Reconfirm business appointments at the Azerbaijani Embassy in Tehran until the extent and duration of the facility's closure become clear. Consider contacting Azerbaijan's consulate in Tabriz as an alternate source of consular services.