Iran and Russia to Begin Joint Naval Drills in Caspian Sea

Tehran, 20
Jul (ONA) — The Iranian and Russian navies will launch a three-day joint
military exercise in the Caspian Sea tomorrow (Monday), in a demonstration of
growing defense cooperation between the two nations. The drill, codenamed
“CASAREX 2025,” is being hosted by the Iranian Navy’s Northern Fleet
according to a statement released on the Iranian army’s official news portal.

The exercise
involves vessels and personnel from both the Iranian and Russian navies, with
additional participation from Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)
Navy – which operates independently from the regular navy – and the Iranian
Coast Guard.

Naval
officials stated the primary objectives of the drills include enhancing
maritime security, improving operational coordination between forces, and
fostering greater collaboration among Caspian Sea nations. The exercises will
focus on search-and-rescue operations, anti-piracy measures, and tactical
interoperability training.

This marks
the latest in a series of joint military exercises between Iran and Russia, who
have been strengthening defense ties in recent years. The Caspian Sea, the
world’s largest inland body of water, holds significant strategic importance
due to its substantial energy resources and key trade routes.

The drills
come as Iran continues to modernize its naval capabilities in the region,
having recently added several domestically-produced warships to its Caspian
fleet. Both nations have emphasized the defensive nature of the exercises,
which they say are aimed at maintaining regional stability and security.

Previous
joint maneuvers between Iranian and Russian forces in the Caspian Sea have
included live-fire exercises and complex tactical scenarios. Military analysts
note that such cooperation reflects the deepening strategic partnership between
Tehran and Moscow amid ongoing geopolitical tensions with Western nations.

—
Ends/Khalid