Azerbaijan Accuses Iran-Based Networks of Orchestrating Disinformation Campaign Amidst Regional Tensions
BAKU, Azerbaijan – The Azerbaijani Parliament’s Commission on Combating Foreign Interference and Hybrid Threats has leveled serious accusations against networks operating within Iran and beyond, claiming they are engaged in a coordinated disinformation campaign targeting Azerbaijan. This campaign, according to the Commission, coincided with and followed a 12-day standoff between Iran and Israel, and seeks to falsely implicate Azerbaijan in the conflict while inciting anti-Azerbaijani sentiment both domestically and internationally.
The Commission’s statement, released on July 1st, builds upon a previous warning issued on June 18th and details the alleged disinformation activities. It points fingers at groups operating within Iran, as well as those beyond its borders, accusing them of spreading fabricated news and information across various social media platforms, including Telegram, TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. These disinformation campaigns, according to the Azerbaijani authorities, pose a significant threat to the country’s security and national interests. The Commission alleges that the campaign aims to mislead the public about Azerbaijan’s role, if any, in the Iran-Israel tensions.
A key element of the disinformation campaign, according to the Commission, is the manipulation of Iranian public opinion. The statement alleges that the campaign specifically targets Iranian society, aiming to cultivate anti-Azerbaijani sentiment within the country. This claim comes in the wake of what Azerbaijani officials consider provocative statements from the Iranian ambassador to Armenia, which they believe have further fueled anti-Azerbaijani rhetoric within Iran, particularly amongst pro-Armenian circles and individuals. This alleged connection between the ambassador’s statements and a rise in anti-Azerbaijani sentiment highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region and the delicate interplay of regional alliances.
Further complicating the situation are allegations that groups of Azerbaijani origin based in Iran are also involved in the disinformation campaign. The Commission accuses these groups of using social media platforms to disseminate manipulative statements disguised as religious pronouncements, allegedly inciting Azerbaijani citizens to engage in provocative activities. This claim suggests an internal dimension to the alleged campaign, with actors within the Azerbaijani diaspora in Iran allegedly attempting to destabilize the situation within Azerbaijan itself.
The scale of the alleged disinformation campaign, as presented by the Azerbaijani Commission, is substantial. They estimate that over 270 profiles originating from Iran are involved, disseminating information in Azerbaijani, Russian, Persian, English, Turkish, and Arabic. Furthermore, the Commission identifies almost 600 individual accounts and over 215 active accounts on TikTok alone as being part of this network. This level of alleged coordinated activity underscores the seriousness with which Azerbaijani authorities are viewing the situation.
The Azerbaijani government is not taking these allegations lightly. The Commission on Combating Foreign Interference and Hybrid Threats assures the public that it is actively monitoring these alleged activities, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, and is taking appropriate countermeasures. However, the specific nature of these countermeasures remains undisclosed. The statement from the Azerbaijani authorities serves as a strong warning, emphasizing the country’s commitment to safeguarding its national security and countering what it perceives as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the region and tarnish its image.
The allegations made by Azerbaijani authorities underscore the increasing role of disinformation and online influence operations in contemporary geopolitical conflicts. The use of social media platforms to spread narratives, influence public opinion, and potentially incite unrest presents a growing challenge for governments worldwide. The situation unfolding between Azerbaijan and Iran serves as a case study of how these tactics can be deployed in the context of complex regional rivalries and tensions. The ongoing developments warrant close observation as they have the potential to further escalate tensions in an already volatile region. The international community will likely be looking for evidence to substantiate the claims made by Azerbaijan and will urge all parties to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to de-escalate the situation.