Iran warns Azerbaijan over Israeli arms deal

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi made the remarks during a meeting with Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Iran, Javanshir Akhundov, in Tehran on Tuesday.

The warning came in response to reports that Azerbaijan had signed a $1.6 billion deal with Israel for the purchase of drones and anti-aircraft and missile systems.

Ambassador Akhundov explained that the weapons were being purchased to liberate the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

He emphasized that Baku would not allow the weapons to be used against any country, particularly Iran.

Akhundov insisted that Azerbaijan is determined to expand its friendly relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Meanwhile, Israeli media outlets have reported that Angolan Finance Minister Carlos Alberto Lopes traveled to Israel last week to sign a military agreement. Reports say the Israeli-Angolan deal is worth about one billion dollars.

And on February 16, Israeli officials said Tel Aviv had reached a “one-billion-dollar preliminary” agreement with Italy to buy 30 Italian military training jets.