Iran-Russia Drill in Caspian Sea Reflects Key Aspects of Bilateral Ties

Iran and Russia began a naval exercise on Monday, named CASAREX 2025, in the Caspian Sea. The exercise is seen as a way for both countries to assert their role in the region, which lies north of Iran and south of Russia.

Although this has some importance, because it is a joint naval drill, the fact that it takes place in the Caspian, illustrates some features of the Iran-Russia relationship, The Caspian Post reports citing The Jerusalem Post.

Russia and China did not come to Iran’s aid during the Israel-Iran War. Neither country sought to prevent the attacks on Iran, or appeared to care very much that their Iranian partner was being attacked.

Even when the US intervened and also bombed Iran, the two countries didn’t step up support. This is interesting because as part of Russia and China’s drive for a new world order, one would assume they might want Iran to be stronger.

What they have shown is pragmatism in basically letting their Iranian partner be thrown under the bus and humiliated in the Israel-Iran War.

Russia is busy fighting in Ukraine. It has already suffered a loss of prestige in the Middle East with the fall of the Assad regime. The weakening of Iran is another loss for Russia.

As such, Russia sought to do this naval drill primarily to show it is still interested in joint cooperation. The Caspian Sea has some strategic importance. It sits between Iran and Russia; as well as Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries.

Iran wants new north-south economic corridor in Central Asia

Iran has been doing outreach to Central Asia. In addition, Iran wants to have a new north-south economic corridor that would link these areas with southern Iran and Pakistan. Towards that end, naval security is important in the Caspian.

Iran’s Tasnim semi-official media outlet said the initial part of the drill was taking place in what it calls the fourth maritime zone of Nadaja near Rasht.

A vessel named SB738 is taking part from the Russian side. This is a 57 meter frigate-class ship.

“This exercise is being held by the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and with the participation of representatives from the naval forces of the Caspian littoral countries. It is designed to enhance field coordination, operational interactions, and multilateral cooperation in the field of maritime search and rescue,” Tasnim noted.

Tasnim said that “the main phase of this exercise will be carried out in the fourth naval zone of Imam Reza (AS) Nadaja after holding joint coordination meetings between the Iranian and Russian naval forces, as well as with the presence of observers from other countries bordering the Caspian Sea.”