FM Sa'ar condemns Iran's violent 'massacre' during talks with Azerbaijan in Baku

A “massacre of unimaginable proportions” is taking place in Iran, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said as he met with Azerbaijani officials in the capital Baku on Monday. The foreign minister called on the international community to take note of the situation. Sa'ar made the remarks during a joint press statement after meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in the Azerbaijani capital.

Sa'ar told reporters that “now, the ayatollah regime is brutally murdering and oppressing its own people as they struggle for their freedom.” He said reports of shocking images were beginning to emerge, despite an internet shutdown in Iran. “We hear the chilling stories,” Sa'ar added, describing the violence inside the country.

The Israeli foreign minister also linked the situation in Iran to broader regional security concerns, saying a regime that behaves violently toward its own citizens cannot be expected to act differently toward other countries. “A massacre of a people by the regime that controls it,” he said. Sa'ar said it was “absolutely forbidden for the most extremist regime in the world to obtain the most dangerous weapon in the world,” referring to nuclear weapons.

The minister met earlier at the Foreign Ministry in Baku with Bayramov to discuss bilateral relations and the regional situation. The talks focused on deepening cooperation between Israel and Azerbaijan, including political and security issues, and strengthening ties between the two countries.

Following their meeting, Sa'ar also held talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at his official residence. The discussions included efforts to expand cooperation in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, agriculture, water, defense, and tourism. Sa'ar noted that the large business and economic delegation accompanying him would help strengthen ties in these sectors.

Sa'ar invited President Aliyev to visit Israel, underlining the importance of continued high‑level engagement. He also thanked Aliyev for his support of Jewish life in Azerbaijan, noting the historical presence of Jewish communities in the country.