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.
At the Doha Forum, Assistant of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Hikmat Hajiyev and Secretary of the Armenian Security Council Armen Grigor...
Residents in Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia, are facing rising diseases and limited medical care after cyclone-driven floods and landslides destroyed homes a...
A group of soldiers has appeared on Benin’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup, the latest of many in West Af...
Lava fountains shot from Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano from dawn to dusk on Saturday, with new footage showing intensifying activity at the north vent....
Japan said on Sunday that Chinese fighter jets directed fire control radar at Japanese military aircraft in two incidents near the Okinawa islands, ca...
A group of soldiers has appeared on Benin’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup, the latest of many in West Africa.
Japan said on Sunday that Chinese fighter jets directed fire control radar at Japanese military aircraft in two incidents near the Okinawa islands, calling the moves dangerous. China denied the allegation.
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth defends follow-up strike on suspected drug boat in the Caribbean, denies authorizing the killing of all onboard, and comments on protocols for military operations.
FIFA releases the 2026 World Cup schedule with match dates, venues, and key fixtures. See when host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada play and get an overview of group stage and knockout rounds.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has finalized the group stage for the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, setting the schedule and matchups for next summer’s expanded 48-team event.
A group of soldiers has appeared on Benin’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup, the latest of many in West Africa.
FIFA releases the 2026 World Cup schedule with match dates, venues, and key fixtures. See when host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada play and get an overview of group stage and knockout rounds.
Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged heavy fire along their shared border late on Friday, a reminder of how sensitive the frontier remains despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for its support of the claims by United Arab Emirates on three Iranian islands.
Residents in Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia, are facing rising diseases and limited medical care after cyclone-driven floods and landslides destroyed homes and infrastructure.
A group of soldiers has appeared on Benin’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup, the latest of many in West Africa.
Lava fountains shot from Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano from dawn to dusk on Saturday, with new footage showing intensifying activity at the north vent.
Japan said on Sunday that Chinese fighter jets directed fire control radar at Japanese military aircraft in two incidents near the Okinawa islands, calling the moves dangerous. China denied the allegation.
Indian authorities have ordered a magisterial inquiry and promised financial support after a fire tore through the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, killing 25 people.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment