Iran and Russia began the CASAREX 2025 joint naval exercise in the Caspian Sea on Monday, signalling their intent to maintain influence in a region that borders both countries. While the drill holds symbolic value, especially due to its bilateral nature.
Strains in the Iran–Russia–China partnership
Iran’s recent 12-day conflict with Israel has exposed cracks in its strategic alliances with Russia and China. Neither country intervened or showed active support for Tehran — even after U.S. airstrikes targeted Iranian territory. Their silence has prompted renewed doubts about the depth and reliability of these partnerships, particularly as Iran continues to align itself with Moscow and Beijing in efforts to reshape the global order.
Russia, already deeply entangled in its war in Ukraine and reeling from reduced influence in Syria, appears to lack both the capacity and the political will to defend its partner. In this context, the launch of the CASAREX 2025 naval exercise in the Caspian Sea is seen as Moscow’s attempt to signal ongoing cooperation with Tehran and to preserve its strategic foothold in the region, which is also bordered by Azerbaijan and several Central Asian states.
Iran's strategic push into Central Asia
For Iran, the Caspian Sea is not just a geographic border but a vital link in its broader geopolitical ambitions. Tehran is actively promoting a north–south economic corridor to connect Central Asia with southern Iran and Pakistan. Securing maritime routes and stability in the Caspian is seen as a critical step toward making that corridor a reality.
According to Tasnim News Agency, the first phase of the naval drill is underway in the fourth maritime zone near Rasht. The exercise includes search and rescue operations and features observers from other Caspian littoral states, highlighting Iran’s aim to project strength and ensure regional maritime security.
While largely symbolic, CASAREX 2025 serves to reinforce the message that Iran and Russia intend to keep military ties intact despite recent geopolitical tensions. Analysts note that the timing of the exercise reflects Moscow’s interest in maintaining regional influence even as it remains consumed by the war in Ukraine.
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