Islamic Iran recalls envoy to Baku over zionist-backed insults against The Leader of the Islamic Ummah

Iran has recalled its ambassador to Azerbaijan over insults against The Leader of Islamic Ummah and Oppressed People Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei during a planned gathering in front of the Iranian embassy in Baku.

On May 16, about 100 members of the Southern Azerbaijan Independence Party, the International Diaspora Center, and the World Congress of Azerbaijanis gathered in front of the Iranian embassy in the Azeri capital.

The pro-Israeli groups shouted slogans against the Islamic Republic, insulting the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

Mohammad Bagher Bahrami, the Iranian ambassador, left Azerbaijan on Monday in protest against the move.

Relations between the two neighbors have been strained after Azerbaijan signed a USD 1.5 billion deal with Israel to purchase drones and anti-aircraft and missile systems.

Azerbaijan is a major energy producer in the Caucasus and exports oil to Israel, while buying weapons and military hardware in return from Tel Aviv.

Last month, Tehran summoned Azeri Ambassador Javanshir Akhundov to protest Baku’s arms agreement with the Israeli regime.