Conflict Expansion with Iran: Attacks on Azerbaijan, Qatar, and Civilian Targets

The armed conflict with Iran has entered a new, extremely dangerous phase, characterized by the expansion of the theater of war to neighboring countries and strategic sea lanes. The key event of recent hours was an attack by Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles on Azerbaijani territory. According to official statements from Baku, a drone struck the passenger terminal building at the local airport, prompting immediate threats of retaliation from Azerbaijani authorities. This incident effectively draws the Caucasian state into the orbit of direct confrontation with Tehran. Simultaneously, alarming reports are coming from Qatar, where the country's capital, Doha, has been shaken by a series of new explosions, suggesting that the Gulf states are no longer a safe enclave. On the maritime front, the US Navy achieved a significant success by sinking a modern Iranian drone carrier, which is expected to drastically limit Tehran's offensive capabilities in the region. In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced the setting ablaze of an American oil tanker in the Persian Gulf. Iran's highest religious authorities have escalated their rhetoric, calling for retaliation against Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Israel continues massive airstrikes on Tehran, employing a disinformation strategy which, according to its generals, has allowed for historic military successes with minimal own losses. However, Western intelligence agencies note that the rate of missile fire from Iranian territory has decreased, which may suggest the depletion of ammunition stocks. Relations between Iran and Israel have been hostile since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, but the current scale of direct clashes exceeds the framework of the shadow war conducted for decades.The humanitarian dimension of the conflict is becoming increasingly tragic. The Red Crescent reports damage to over a hundred civilian facilities inside Iran, raising questions about the precision of coalition strikes. In the diplomatic sphere, clear divisions are emerging: Italy has declared assistance in air defense for Gulf states, while Germany has firmly distanced itself from plans to force a regime change in Tehran. Russia accuses the USA of deliberately dragging Arab countries into a spiral of violence, while France has decided to send an aircraft carrier to Mediterranean waters to strengthen NATO's presence. Uncertainty is heightened by reports of the activation of Kurdish ground forces, which could lead to an uncontrolled spillover of the war into the territory of Iraq and Turkey, although the latter, thanks to NATO systems, is effectively intercepting incoming missiles. Azerbaijan and Iran have been disputing influence in the Caucasus region for years, with the significant role played by the Azerbaijani minority in Iran and Baku's tightening cooperation with Tel Aviv.„Trumps Blut muss vergossen werden” (Trump's blood must be spilled) — Ayatollah

Perspektywy mediów: Liberal media emphasize the dramatic situation of civilians in Iran and the lack of a clear exit strategy from the conflict. Conservative press highlights the effectiveness of strikes on drone infrastructure and the necessity of a tough response to Iranian terrorism.