The Russian Itar-Tass news agency on Monday quoted Russian military experts as saying the C-130 Hercules, which was carrying relatives of Iranian embassy staff, could have been spying.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mahmoud Mohammadi told the news agency IRNA: "It is a pity that at a time when the people of Iran are mourning the death of the victims of this crash, such baseless and false reports are broadcast by Itar-Tass news agency."
The experts quoted by Itar-Tass said no one had answered the main question as to why the U.S.-made plane left its planned route and flew over Karabakh.
Both Armenia and Azerbaijan, whose forces have fought for six years over the enclave, have strongly hinted the other side was responsible.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.