SAEDNEWS: Beginning tomorrow, Tehran and Moscow will launch a high‑stakes, three‑day naval search‑and‑rescue exercise in the Caspian Sea, underscoring deepening military ties and shared commitment to regional maritime safety.
According to Saed News, Iran will host CASAREX 2025—a Combined At‑Sea Search and Rescue Exercise—off its Caspian Sea coast from July 21 to 23. Organized under the banner “Together for a Safe and Secure Caspian Sea,” the multinational drill brings together Iran’s Army Navy, the IRGC Navy, and the Law Enforcement Command alongside Russian naval units, with observers from other littoral states expected to attend.
The three‑day exercise, coordinated by Iran’s Northern Fleet, will simulate a series of complex maritime emergencies—from disabled vessels and mass‑casualty scenarios to oil‑spill responses—to test participating forces’ readiness, crisis‑management protocols, and interoperability. “CASAREX 2025 will enable us to refine our procedures under realistic conditions,” said a senior Iranian naval officer, emphasizing that seamless coordination is vital when civilian lives and environmental risks are at stake.
For Russia, the drill provides an opportunity to consolidate its naval presence in a strategically vital inland sea and to foster trust among neighbours. “Joint exercises like this build confidence, improve mutual understanding, and pave the way for a more secure Caspian,” a Russian defence attaché commented.
Analysts note that CASAREX 2025 reflects both Tehran and Moscow’s broader ambition to deepen military‑to‑military cooperation following their 2024 Strategic Partnership. By enhancing search‑and‑rescue capabilities, Iran and Russia aim not only to safeguard regional shipping lanes and offshore energy infrastructure but also to signal solidarity amid shifting security dynamics in West Asia.
