Baku Minister Says Azerbaijan Wouldn't Be Used For Attack On Iran

Defense Minister Safar Abiyev (left) and President Ilham Aliyev at a military parade in Baku in June 2011

Iran's state-run Press TV has quoted Azerbaijani Defense Minister Safar Abiyev as saying Baku would not allow its territory to be used for an attack on Iran.

The report also quoted Abiyev as saying Baku wants peace, stability, and security in the region -- and that closer military cooperation with Iran would guarantee regional peace.

Abiyev was in talks in Tehran on March 12 with Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi.

Relations between Baku and Tehran have been strained since Azerbaijan last month signed a $1.6 billion deal with Israel to purchase drones, antiaircraft systems, and missiles.

Israel has hinted at an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, charging Iran is trying to make nuclear weapons. Other Western governments have repeatedly expressed similar fears.

Iran denies it has nuclear weapons aims and has expressed concern over alleged Israeli intelligence activity in Azerbaijan.

Based on AP reporting