Azerbaijan Expels 4 Iranian Diplomats Due to "Provocative Actions"

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement that it has expelled four Iranian diplomats due to "provocative actions," marking the latest indication of deteriorating relations between the two neighboring countries. This situation is attributed to factors including the improving ties between Baku and Israel, Iran's arch-enemy. The ministry granted the diplomats 48 hours to leave the country. Additionally, Iranian Ambassador Abbas Mousavi was summoned, and Azerbaijan expressed its "strong discontent with the recent provocative actions by his country regarding Azerbaijan." It noted that Iran may be linked to the attempted assassination of an Azerbaijani deputy opposed to Tehran a week ago. Relations between Azerbaijan and Iran have increasingly strained in recent months, culminating when Baku opened an embassy in Israel last week.