Tehran, July 18, 2025 — Iranian Member of Parliament Kamran Gazanfari launched a scathing attack on President Masoud Pezeshkian, condemning his recent visit to Baku and accusing Azerbaijan of aiding Israel in military strikes against Iran.
Speaking to Khabar Online, Gazanfari claimed that Azerbaijan cooperated with Israel in a recent aerial attack on Iranian facilities in Shahrud, citing reports from Israel’s Channel 14 alleging Azerbaijani involvement.
“Ilham Aliyev, who has faced no consequences from Iran for his past hostile acts and conspiracies, has now assisted the Zionist regime in military operations by granting them access to Azerbaijan’s territory and airspace,” Gazanfari said.
According to the MP, Israeli aircraft and drones entered Iranian airspace from Azerbaijani territory, allegedly contributing to strikes on multiple cities, including Tabriz, Ardabil, Rasht, and Tehran.
Gazanfari harshly criticized President Pezeshkian for what he called “unjustified leniency” and “shameful approval” of Baku’s alleged actions. He pointed to the Iranian leader’s recent warm meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, during which the two embraced, as symbolic of Tehran’s passive stance toward a government the MP described as “Zionist-controlled.”
“Instead of punishing the Baku regime, he went to meet Aliyev and hugged him tightly. Baku is working to overthrow Iran, and Pezeshkian seeks friendship with them!” the lawmaker exclaimed.
He also accused Pezeshkian of hypocrisy, questioning his loyalty to Iran’s Supreme Leader. “You claim to follow the Supreme Leader’s guidance, yet your actions clearly contradict his directives,” Gazanfari stated.
The remarks signal growing friction within Iran’s political elite over the administration’s handling of regional diplomacy, particularly in light of recent Israeli-Iranian tensions and Azerbaijan’s alleged strategic alignment with Tel Aviv.
So far, there has been no official response from President Pezeshkian’s office regarding the accusations. However, the outburst reflects deeper domestic unease over Iran’s foreign policy posture, especially as Tehran walks a fine line between strategic restraint and hardline nationalist demands.
