Monday, July 21, 2025

Russia sends message to Iran as joint naval drill launched in Caspian Sea - Seth J. Frantzman

 

by Seth J. Frantzman

Russia sought to do this naval drill primarily to show it is still interested in joint cooperation with Iran.

 

Members of the Russian Navy attend the joint Navy exercise of Iran, China and Russia in the Gulf of Oman, Iran, in this handout image obtained on March 12, 2025; illustrative.
Members of the Russian Navy attend the joint Navy exercise of Iran, China and Russia in the Gulf of Oman, Iran, in this handout image obtained on March 12, 2025; illustrative.
(photo credit: IRANIAN ARMY/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY)/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)

 

Iran and Russia began the CASAREX 2025 naval drill on Monday, held in the Caspian Sea, which is seen as a way for both countries to assert their role in those waters, which lie north of Iran and south of Russia.

Although this has some significance, given that it is a joint drill, the fact that it’s taking place in the Caspian Sea illustrates certain features of the Iran-Russia relationship.

How Iran-Russia ties changed following Israel war

Moscow and Beijing did not come to Iran’s aid during the 12-day war with Israel. Neither sought to prevent the attacks on Iran nor appeared to care very much that their partner was being attacked. Even when the US intervened and bombed Iran, the two countries did not step up.

This is intriguing because as part of Russia and China’s drive for a new world order, one would assume they want Iran to be stronger. What they have shown is pragmatism, letting their Iranian partner be thrown under the bus and humiliated.

Russia is busy fighting in Ukraine. It has already suffered a loss of prestige in the Middle East with the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The weakening of Iran is another loss for Russia. As such, Moscow sought to conduct this naval drill primarily to demonstrate its continued interest in joint cooperation.

The Caspian Sea has some strategic importance. Not only is it situated between Iran and Russia, but also Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia.

Iran wants new economic corridor in Central Asia

The Islamic Republic has been doing outreach to Central Asia. Additionally, Iran aims to establish a new north-south economic corridor that would connect these areas with southern Iran and Pakistan. Toward that end, naval security is essential in the Caspian Sea.

Iran’s Tasnim state media said the initial part of the drill was taking place in the “fourth maritime zone of Nadaja near Rasht.”

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

“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.

The news agency added 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.”


Seth J. Frantzman

Source: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-861744

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