Israel is setting up a secret "ring of fire" around Iran – What is happening in Azerbaijan

Israeli armed forces and intelligence agencies allegedly secretly deployed elite units in Azerbaijan during the war with Iran, as part of a wider network of covert operational positions in the Middle East, according to sources cited by CNN.

Covert deployments near the Iranian border

These forces reportedly operated from multiple locations in southern Azerbaijan, very close to the border with Iran and about 60 miles from the city of Tabriz, which was a target of Israeli strikes during the war. According to the same sources, special commando units were also deployed to the site, carrying out intelligence-gathering missions and drone operations, offering Israel a critical operational "window" into northern Iran.

A network of bases from the Middle East to the Horn of Africa

The secret deployment in Azerbaijan, as revealed for the first time by CNN, was one of a series of military positions that Israel maintained throughout the region. According to the sources, similar positions existed in Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Somaliland, allowing Israel operational penetration at a depth of hundreds of kilometers. Initially, these units were designed as rescue forces in case of emergency, but they gradually evolved into fully operational centers for intelligence gathering and military action support.

The forces in Azerbaijan

The presence in Azerbaijan included several dozen soldiers, including members of special operations, helicopter rescue units, and Mossad personnel, according to one of the sources. A representative of the Azerbaijani embassy in the United States stated that the country categorically rejects allegations regarding the use of its territory for operations against third countries. Israel and the Prime Minister's office did not provide an official comment, while Azerbaijan has long been considered a close strategic partner of Israel against Iran.

Operations and positions in Iraq and Somaliland

At the same time, the breakaway region of Somaliland in the Horn of Africa allegedly provided Israel with an additional operational base, facilitating potential refueling stops for long-range flights to Iran. In 2025, Israel became the first country to officially recognize Somaliland, while the United Arab Emirates maintains a strong military and commercial presence at the port of Berbera. Additionally, two secret facilities in Iraq were allegedly used for logistical support and potential rescue missions.

Deployment of air defense systems in the UAE

According to the report, Israel also deployed an Iron Dome battery in the United Arab Emirates, along with operating personnel, as well as other defensive systems. This fact caused political reactions and denials from Abu Dhabi, despite previous reports of secret visits by high-ranking Israeli officials to the country.

Strategic encirclement of Iran

The sources describe a wider operational network that positioned Israeli forces around Iran, in the south, west, and north, allowing a continuous flow of information and the capability for targeted strikes. In Azerbaijan, the presence included the installation of monitoring and intelligence-gathering systems weeks before the conflict began.

Political processes and back-channel contacts

According to the report, Gideon Saar visited Baku shortly before the escalation, while Ilham Aliyev had contacts with Israeli delegations. Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu was allegedly aware of the overall strategic deployment.

Field operations and targeted strikes

The sources link the activity in Azerbaijan to operations against high-ranking officials of the Revolutionary Guards, including Rahman Moghaddam, head of the IRGC intelligence service. A few days later, drone attacks were recorded on infrastructure in Nakhchivan, which Baku attributed to Iran, while Tehran denied it.

Azerbaijan–Israel cooperation and geopolitical depth

Azerbaijan is one of Israel's most important energy suppliers, while Israel exports advanced weapon systems to Baku, which have also been used in conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh. According to analysts, this relationship is not only military or energy-based but also deeply geopolitical, as it gives Azerbaijan access to diplomatic influence in the US through Israeli networks.

A "silent" but extensive system of influence

As analysts note, Israel's strategy in the region remains low-profile, based on arms exchanges, intelligence, and long-term technological cooperation. At the same time, experts point out that Azerbaijan is attempting to establish itself as a regional power, acting in some cases as a bridge between Israel and Arab states.

The "ring"

The overall footprint described by the sources shows a network of military and intelligence infrastructure that spans multiple countries, aiming to enhance Israeli operational reach against Iran. Despite official denials and diplomatic silence, the report sketches a reality where the war is not being waged only on the battlefield, but also through an invisible web of alliances, bases, and intelligence that spreads throughout the entire wider region.

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