In Chechnya, Akhmad and Salakh Khaskhanov—brothers of Arbi Khaskhanov, who escaped from a military base in Khankala to avoid being sent to fight in the war against Ukraine—have been abducted. This was reported by the outlet *Kavkaz.Realii*, citing human rights defender Roza Dunaeva, who represents Ichkeria in Austria. According to her, the relatives are being held in an effort to force the young man himself to return to the republic.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian denied reports of a strike on Azerbaijan, calling it "an enemy plot seeking to undermine brotherly relations." In a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he emphasized that Iran seeks territorial integrity and peace, not attacks on its neighbors.
Pezeshkian also asked Moscow to support Iran on the international stage. Meanwhile, Putin reiterated his condolences over the deaths of Ayatollah Khamenei and civilians, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution.
Pezeshkian reported that today Iran's Interim Governing Council decided to no longer strike countries in the region unless there are attacks from their territory. He also apologized to neighboring countries.
"Some groups in neighboring countries should not become a plaything of the US and Israel." "We can resolve our differences among ourselves," the president added.
Earlier, Azerbaijan began evacuating diplomats from Iran following an alleged Iranian drone attack on Nakhchivan Airport. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called it a terrorist attack, blaming Iran, and declared full combat readiness. The Iranian General Staff denies any involvement, blaming Israel for the incident and affirming its respect for Azerbaijan's sovereignty.