Editor’s note: Faig Mahmudov is a journalist based in Azerbaijan covering regional security, foreign policy, and geopolitical developments. The views expressed in this article are his own and do not necessarily reflect the official position or editorial stance of News.Az.

Against the backdrop of rising tensions around Iran, the redeployment of US forces to the Middle East, and increasingly alarming discussions about the possibility of a limited ground operation, a sober, professional, and strategically calibrated external perspective is especially important. How realistic is Washington’s reliance on a ground operation scenario? Where is the line between military pressure and preparation for a major war? And could the White House attempt to turn even a limited tactical episode into a political “victory”?

The conflict surrounding Iran has entered a dangerous phase, increasingly resembling a full-scale regional war rather than a limited operation. Tehran maintains that it is acting in self-defense, demonstrating resilience despite sustained strikes on infrastructure and leadership. Iranian authorities emphasize systemic stability and rapid recovery capacity. While the risks of further escalation, including potential ground operations, remain, Iran signals readiness and insists the conflict will continue until perceived threats are fully eliminated.

The Israeli military has launched a “targeted ground operation against key targets” in southern Lebanon, pushing more forces deeper into the area as part of an expanded buffer zone, according to the IDF.

The southern part of the Zeitoun neighborhood in Gaza City has been completely destroyed, with no buildings left standing, following an Israeli ground offensive launched earlier this month.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced the launched of its ground operation near Shejaiya in the northern Gaza Strip.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has announced the expansion of its ongoing ground operation in the northern Gaza Strip to the town of Beit Lahiya.

IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that Israeli troops will not be entering Beirut or any major cities in Lebanon, emphasizing that Israel's ground operations will be conducted as briefly as possible.

Mohammad Afif, the head of Hezbollah's media office, stated on Tuesday that no Israeli troops have crossed into Lebanese territory.