WANA (Oct 06) – The Iranian Navy is gearing up for a new strategic operation in the Caspian Sea in the coming months.

 

Admiral Shahram Irani, Commander of the Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, announced on Monday in St. Petersburg, Russia, that “we have a joint naval exercise ahead” scheduled for the near future.

 

The Iranian Navy first deployed several patrol ships to the Caspian Sea in the early 2000s to enhance security in the region.

 

Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, former Navy Commander and Deputy Coordinator of the Iranian Armed Forces, recalled: “Following the Supreme Leader’s directive in 1999 to develop missile-equipped vessels, our first missile ship, Peykan, joined the Northern Fleet in 2003. This vessel was constructed in Nowshahr and became operational soon after.”

 

In recent years, Iran has expanded its naval capabilities in the south — including the Persian Gulf and international waters — while simultaneously conducting various exercises in the Caspian Sea.

“Eghtedar Paydar 2025” (dubbed in English Sustainable Authority) naval missile drill of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy. Source: Iran Army PR/ WANA News Agency

“Eghtedar Paydar 2025” (dubbed in English Sustainable Authority) naval missile drill of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy. Source: Iran Army PR/ WANA News Agency

Iran’s activities in the Caspian are not limited to naval drills. The induction of new maritime assets, such as the Deylaman destroyer, highlights Tehran’s growing presence in the region. Past exercises, including the joint maritime search and rescue drill CASAREX 2025, exemplify Iran’s ongoing operational engagement in the Caspian Sea.

 

Rear Admiral Shahram Irani arrived in St. Petersburg on Sunday evening, where he was welcomed at Pulkovo International Airport by Iran’s Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, and Vice Admiral Vladimir Zemtsov, Deputy Commander of the Russian Navy.

 

He is scheduled to participate in the meeting of naval commanders from Caspian Sea littoral states and meet with the Commander of the Russian Navy, attend the Caspian Sea Naval Commanders Summit, and hold bilateral meetings with the naval chiefs of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

 

He will also visit several naval bases in the Gulf of Finland, the flagship frigate Admiral Grigorovich, and the Russian Naval Museum.

Iran’s Navy Commander Visits Russia to Attend Caspian Naval Summit. Social Media / WANA News Agency

Iran’s Navy Commander Visits Russia to Attend Caspian Naval Summit. Social Media / WANA News Agency