Pro-Iran narratives target Azerbaijan’s Jewish war hero amid Israel-Baku disinformation row

Albert Agarunov, revered as Azerbaijan's Jewish National Hero, has become the target of a disinformation campaign originating from Iranian and pro-Iranian social media accounts. These online efforts question Agarunov's legacy, employing phrases like "the Albert Agarunov lie has collapsed" and labeling his story a "forgery." The posts often feature hashtags and language linked to pro-Iranian or "Resistance" networks, signaling a coordinated attempt to tarnish his image.

Agarunov, a Mountain Jew from Baku, distinguished himself as a tank commander during the First Karabakh War. He volunteered for service and was killed in action in 1992. Posthumously awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan, he is buried in Baku's Alley of Martyrs, with both Azerbaijani and Israeli flags displayed at his resting place. A school bears his name, and a monument honors him, underscoring his significance as a national symbol who also represented his Jewish identity.

This online activity mirrors broader pro-Iranian narratives that have targeted Azerbaijan due to its strong ties with Israel. The timing and coordinated nature of the posts, which use language associated with pro-Iranian and Resistance-linked networks, suggest a deliberate effort to discredit Azerbaijan's relationship with Israel. While some accounts pose as opposition voices, their messaging aligns with established pro-Iranian campaigns.

The recent online attacks follow a CNN report citing anonymous sources who claimed IDF commandos and Mossad operatives had been active in southern Azerbaijan during the Iran war. Azerbaijan has vehemently denied these claims, stating that its territory is not used for military or intelligence operations against any third state. The targeting of Agarunov appears to be part of a wider strategy to sow discord and undermine Azerbaijan's international partnerships, particularly its defense cooperation with Israel.