WANA (May 19) – Special forces from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces and the Azerbaijani Armed Forces are currently conducting a joint military exercise titled “Aras 2025.” The drill began yesterday and is taking place in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region.

 

A selected battalion from Iran’s IRGC special forces, along with a high-ranking military delegation, crossed into Azerbaijan through the Bileh-Savar border in Iran’s Ardabil Province. Upon arrival, the Iranian delegation was officially welcomed, and senior military commanders from both countries convened for a high-level briefing.

 

During the meeting, detailed explanations were provided on the drill’s training objectives, operational scenarios, geographical scope, and multi-phase execution plans.

 

Brigadier General Vali Madani, Deputy Commander of IRGC Ground Forces and head of the joint exercise, emphasized that “Aras 2025 is a vital step toward strengthening the security of shared borders and addressing potential threats.”

 

He noted that the Iranian delegation’s presence in the exercise zone signals Iran’s readiness to conduct joint operations in the face of any regional security challenge.

Iranian forces in Bileh-Savar border, Iran’s Ardabil Province. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Second Day of Iran and Azerbaijan Drills

On the second day of the Aras 2025 exercise, forces from both sides participated in a ceremonial parade. Speaking at the event, Brigadier General Madani highlighted the drill’s strategic, operational, and military goals, noting that the exercise stems from agreements between the presidents of Iran and Azerbaijan.

 

“Last year, the first phase of this exercise was conducted on Iranian soil. This year, we are continuing that path with the second phase held in the territory of Azerbaijan,” he said.

 

He added that the participating Iranian unit is a battalion from the Mirza Kuchak Khan Special Forces Brigade of the IRGC Ground Forces.

 

“These forces are fully equipped and possess high-level technical expertise and readiness. Part of their gear and equipment has already been deployed to the exercise area,” Madani explained.

 

He further detailed that on the second day, after paying tribute to the national flags of both countries, the troops marched past military officials and commanders, who also conducted inspections of their respective units.

 

The joint exercises are scheduled to continue tomorrow with specialized combat training sessions.

 

A similar joint drill was held in December last year, when special forces from the Azerbaijani army and an elite IRGC battalion conducted a joint exercise hosted by Iran in the Aslanduz region of Ardabil Province.