On January 1, the Chargé d'Affaires of the embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Azerbaijan, Seyyed Jafar Aghayi Marian, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, the Azerbaijani side lodged a strong protest against insulting remarks made about Azerbaijan and its head of state during an event held in Ardabil on December 29. The event, attended by Seyed Hassan Ameli, Representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in Ardabil Province and Imam Jom'a of Ardabil, was broadcast on the "Khabar Network" channel of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

The Ministry also expressed concern over the recent incitement of anti-Azerbaijan sentiment among the Iranian population.

It was emphasized that the anti-Azerbaijan propaganda in Iran contradicts the spirit of bilateral relations and undermines the goals and objectives set for cooperation between the two countries. It was noted that such actions aim to create hatred and hostility instead of preserving and deepening bilateral interstate and people-to-people relations.

An immediate cessation of provocations against Azerbaijan was demanded.