Acting Deputy Chief of US Mission Visits Astara Border Checkpoint Amid Regional Crisis

On June 21, Mark Hernandez, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan, along with a team from the Embassy, visited the Astara border checkpoint in southern Azerbaijan. The visit was highlighted in a statement by the U.S. Embassy, which expressed deep appreciation for Azerbaijan's unwavering support in facilitating the entry of U.S. citizens into the country. The statement emphasized that the safety and security of American citizens remain the highest priority for the U.S. Embassy. This development comes in the wake of a significant military escalation between Israel and Iran, which has led to the evacuation of over 600 individuals, including foreign nationals, through the Astara border checkpoint. Azerbaijan's role in providing logistical and humanitarian assistance during this crisis has been acknowledged as a vital contribution to regional coordination efforts. The Astara checkpoint, located along the Caspian Sea shoreline, serves as a critical passage on the Azerbaijani-Iranian frontier. The displaced individuals are being transported to Baku airport and subsequently airlifted to their respective countries via international aviation services. The U.S. Embassy's statement underscored the importance of Azerbaijan's support in ensuring the safe and secure passage of American citizens during this turbulent period.