IRGC-affiliated newspaper: Azerbaijan is Israel’s second closest ally after the U.S.

Published: 2025-05-31 09:17

Azerbaijan remains an ally of Israel, maintaining close and strategic ties "even after the outbreak of the war in Gaza," according to Javan Online, an Iranian newspaper affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The article quotes Israeli Ambassador to Baku, George Deek, who stated: "Despite external pressure, including from Iran and Turkey, the Republic of Azerbaijan has not only refrained from weakening its ties with Israel, but has instead reaffirmed its strategic commitment to the bilateral relationship—demonstrating that true partners reveal themselves in times of crisis."

Javan Online also cites a report by the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA): "The timing of SOCAR's (the Azerbaijani state oil company) renewed commitment reflects more than just Baku’s desire to take part in international offshore gas projects. It also underscores the fact that the recent friction between Israel and Turkey does not shape Azerbaijan’s economic decisions nor diminish Azerbaijan-Israel cooperation."

The newspaper further notes: "The growing cooperation between the two countries since October 7 has even led to suggestions that Azerbaijan may join the Abraham Accords."

By Azerbaijani-Israeli Alliance Global News