Iran executes attacker behind Azerbaijan Embassy killing

In January 2023, a violent incident occurred at the Azerbaijan Embassy in Tehran, Iran, where an armed man attacked the diplomatic mission, resulting in the death of the embassy's security chief and injuries to two other individuals. Although the assailant's actions were initially characterized by Iranian authorities as stemming from a personal dispute involving his wife, who allegedly went missing during her visit to the embassy, the Azerbaijani government condemned the event as a terrorist attack. This characterization increased tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan, leading to further diplomatic strain. Following the attack, Iran's government executed the accused assailant in May 2025 without providing his identity. The situation escalated after Azerbaijan accused Iran of backing radical groups that could undermine its government, a claim that Tehran vehemently denied. The repercussions of this incident were significant, with both countries expelling diplomats and ultimately leading Azerbaijan to reopen its embassy in a different location in July 2024. Additionally, the close ties between Azerbaijan and Israel further complicated the diplomatic landscape, showcasing the ongoing regional tensions and the implications of the embassy attack on bilateral relations. The attack and its aftermath not only reflect the fragility of diplomatic relations between neighboring countries but also highlight the deep historical and ethnic divisions that persist in the region, given the presence of a significant Azeri population within Iran itself.