Iran's plot to kill Jewish leader in Azerbaijan foiled - Media

According to Western and Middle Eastern security officials, last fall, an officer from Iran's Quds Force met with a Georgian drug dealer, Agil Aslanov.

During the meeting, the officer handed Aslanov a photograph of a prominent Jewish figure in Azerbaijan along with detailed instructions on how to kill him. According to anonymous officials, Aslanov agreed to carry out the assassination of Rabbi Shneor Segal for $200,000.

The conspiracy, uncovered by Azerbaijan's State Security Service in early January, also included a plan to attack a training center, officials report. According to the State Security Service and local media, Aslanov and his local accomplice were arrested and charged with conspiring to commit a terrorist act.

Details about the target of the plot had not been previously reported. Segal told The Washington Post that he learned about the assassination attempt through Azerbaijani media. He said he feels safe in Azerbaijan.

"We live here peacefully. I walk on the streets here, and there is no fear," said the rabbi.

Azerbaijan's ties to Israel

Since the 1990s, Azerbaijan has played a crucial role in the regional security of Israel. In 2019, Azerbaijan supplied more than 60% of the gasoline consumed in Israel.

Additionally, Azerbaijan is Israel's most important partner among Muslim-majority nations. The two countries maintain close cooperation in defense, intelligence, and trade.

During the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023, Azerbaijan was the only Muslim-majority country to support Israel. Despite pressure from other Muslim states, Azerbaijan's leadership maintained its strategic partnership with Israel.

However, Iran views the close cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel negatively, considering it a potential threat to its security and influence in the region.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, even stated a few years ago that Israel seeks to weaken the ties between Iran and Azerbaijan.