Day: March 13, 2026

Ali Asadov, the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, announced that defense and national security spending has been significantly increased in the country’s 2025 state budget, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity. As reported by AzerNEWS, speaking during a plenary session of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan, Asadov presented the Cabinet’s annual report on its activities in 2025 and highlighted that national security remains one of the top priorities of state policy.

According to the prime minister, 8.1 billion manats have been allocated from the 2025 state budget for defense and national security purposes,…

Peacewind community is a legally planned urban development for permanent long-term living. There are 84 sites of a diverse mix of tiny homes on wheels, and small cottages on a foundation that include both renters and homeowners.

The Azerbaijani government actively assisted in the evacuation of Chinese citizens from Iran, helping more than 600 people cross the border through the Astara Border Crossing, China’s ambassador to Azerbaijan said.

23 Georgian sailors were aboard the Malta-flagged tanker Zefyros, one of the vessels attacked by Iran off the Iraqi coast on the night of March 12, RFE/RL’s Georgian Service reported, citing a relative of one of the sailors. All Georgian sailors, including the captain, are reportedly safe.

Two oil tankers sailing in Iraqi territorial waters were struck in the Persian Gulf, with sailors describing a coordinated attack involving drones and explosive devices. Iranian state television reportedly confirmed that Iranian forces carried out the attacks. According to reports, one sailor from the other tanker, Safesea Vishnu, was killed in the attack, though the individual’s name and citizenship were not disclosed.

Georgia’s Maritime Transport Agency later said Georgian sailors were “safe” and that arrangements for their return were underway. It added that the agency, together with other relevant agencies, remains in “constant contact” with the shipowner and will take all necessary measures to protect the interests of Georgian sailors. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued a public statement on the incident.

According to Reuters, around 20 tankers and other vessels have been attacked in the Gulf during the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran while hundreds more have dropped anchor due to Tehran’s threat to attack nearby shipping.

Also Read:

• 11/03/2026 – Kobakhidze Meets with Israeli Ambassador Amid War in Middle East
• 05/03/2026 – Tbilisi Condemns Drone Attack on Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan
• 02/03/2026 – Tbilisi Offers Condolences to Both Iran and Israel, Expresses Solidarity with Gulf Countries
• 08/01/2026 – Georgian Citizens Reportedly Among Crew of US-Seized Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker

Estonia and Somalia are preparing to open embassies in Azerbaijan, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic relations between these countries and Baku, AzerNEWS informs.