In a press statement, the Embassy dismissed as baseless claims attributing protests in Azerbaijan Republic to Iran.
It expressed regret over the publication of unsubstantiated, provocative, and malicious content, stressing that the principled policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran has always been rooted in mutual respect, good neighborliness, and respect for the national sovereignty of other nations.
“Attributing any gatherings, protests, or expressions of discontent by citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Islamic Republic of Iran is a baseless claim, entirely devoid of truth.”
The statement added that dissemination of false information and attempts to fabricate a link between current developments and the Islamic Republic of Iran serve only the interests of the enemies of both nations—and of Muslims in general—who seek to sow discord and division among Muslims, weaken Islamic nations, and create unnecessary misunderstandings in bilateral relations.
Emphasizing the necessity of fostering friendly, brotherly relations based on mutual respect, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Baku called for an end to the leveling of such baseless claims and accusations.
Earlier, the embassy had dismissed the claims made by the National NGO Forum of Azerbaijan as “baseless and unfounded,” expressing surprise at attempts to draw foreign countries into the Republic of Azerbaijan’s domestic affairs.
The embassy on Wednesday described the effort to associate Iran with the school hijab issue as an “awkward attempt” and stressed the need to avoid creating unnecessary tensions in the friendly and brotherly relations between Iran and Azerbaijan Republic.
On Sunday, the National NGO Forum of Azerbaijan (Milli QHT Forumu) issued a statement following the introduction of school dress-code rules in the country, urging the public to remain vigilant against foreign influence.
The organization alleged that certain internet sources and media outlets in Iran and several other countries were targeting the Republic of Azerbaijan’s secular model of governance and education system.
The dispute erupted after authorities began enforcing school uniform requirements that have reportedly resulted in hijab-wearing students being barred from classes and female teachers being told to remove their headscarves. The restrictions have prompted student boycotts and public demonstrations in Baku and other districts.
The rules stem from Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 309, adopted on September 21, which prohibits additional clothing that violates school uniform requirements or contradicts the principle of secular education. Although the resolution does not explicitly mention the hijab, its implementation has led to restrictions on headscarves in some schools.
Azerbaijan’s interior ministry said on October 12 that 37 people had been detained in connection with incidents surrounding the enforcement of school dress-code rules, alleging that they had provoked confrontations, damaged educational institutions and attempted to disrupt public order.
The controversy has also drawn protests beyond Azerbaijan Republic. Demonstrators gathered outside the country’s consulate in Istanbul, while Turkish civil society groups and political movements have previously urged President Ilham Aliyev to end restrictions on hijab-wearing students and ensure that girls can continue their education.