U.S. Media Reveals Israel Establishing Bases in Multiple Countries Around Iran

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, June 6 - U.S. media reported on the 5th that Israel had established bases in several countries surrounding Iran for military operations against Iran.

CNN reported, citing multiple unnamed sources, that weeks before the military strike against Iran on February 28, Israel secretly set up several bases in Azerbaijan, a northern neighbor of Iran, with the closest base located just over 90 kilometers from the northern Iranian city of Tabriz. Dozens of Israeli personnel were stationed at these bases, including special forces, helicopter airlift units, and intelligence personnel, tasked with gathering military intelligence on Iran, rescuing pilots in the event Israeli aircraft were shot down, and providing early warning for missile launches.

According to informed sources, in addition to Azerbaijan, the Israeli military also established two secret bases in Iraq to provide logistical support for operations against Iran and to prepare for rescue missions; furthermore, a "Iron Dome" air defense system and operators were also deployed in the UAE.

Additionally, Israel has established a base in the Somaliland region of Somalia, serving as a relay base for Israeli aircraft that may conduct long-range strikes against Iran. At the end of 2025, Israel suddenly announced its recognition of Somaliland as an "independent sovereign state," becoming the only country among UN member states to publicly recognize Somaliland. This event immediately triggered strong opposition and condemnation from Somalia and several other countries and international organizations.

In response to CNN's report, the Azerbaijani government and the Azerbaijani embassy in the U.S. categorically denied the claims, stating that "the assertion of using Azerbaijani territory to launch attacks on a third country is unfounded," calling such reports "fabrications" that "undermine regional stability and inter-state relations, causing tensions in the region."

CNN previously reported that during the U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and leaders of the Israeli military and intelligence agencies visited the UAE. However, the UAE strongly denied this. (Hui Xiaoshuang)