Following a week of military conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, attention has turned to the possibility of ground forces being deployed against the Iranian regime. This concern extends beyond airstrikes and raises questions about which groups might be willing to engage in challenging ground operations against Iran. While Kurdish forces have traditionally been considered for such roles, Azerbaijani forces have emerged as a potential candidate for involvement in these military actions. The situation is evolving, and the implications of opening yet another front in the South Caucasus are being closely monitored.

On Thursday, March 5, four drones attributed to Iran reportedly struck the territory of Nakhchivan in Azerbaijan, injuring four people. One of the drones targeted Nakhchivan International Airport, located approximately 10 kilometers from the Iranian border, demonstrating the tangible threat posed by regional hostilities. In addition to the attack on the airport, another drone crashed near a school in the village of Sarkarabad, further highlighting the precarious security situation within Azerbaijan's territory.

The escalation of tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan not only invites consideration of military responses but also calls into question the broader geopolitical implications for the South Caucasus region. Analysts speculate on the potential consequences of involving Azerbaijani forces in any conflict, which could disrupt the balance of power in the area and draw in neighboring countries. As both county's military activities intensify, the international community watches closely to assess the situation's evolution and the potential for further conflict.