SAEDNEWS: Iran and Russia have commenced a large-scale joint maritime search and rescue exercise, CASAREX 2025, in the Caspian Sea, featuring naval units from both countries, with participation from the IRGC, Iran’s Army Navy, and observers from other littoral states, aiming to enhance operational coordination and regional maritime security.
According to Saed News, a large-scale joint maritime search and rescue exercise, CASAREX 2025, began on Monday in the Caspian Sea with the participation of naval forces from the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation.
The three-day drill is hosted by Iran’s Northern Fleet and the Fourth Naval District of Imam Reza.
Rear Admiral Lower Half Mohsen Razaqi, spokesperson for the exercise, stated that CASAREX 2025 also includes units from Iran’s Army Navy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, the Law Enforcement Command, and observers from other Caspian littoral states.
Speaking at a press briefing, Razaqi said the exercise is being conducted under the slogan “Together for a Safe and Secure Caspian Sea.” He explained that the drill is aligned with directives from the Commander-in-Chief, aiming to enhance diplomacy through international cooperation and to foster greater coordination among the naval forces of Caspian countries.
“The exercise is meant to strengthen joint operational capabilities in maritime rescue and security, safeguard commercial shipping routes, and develop a common framework for future multinational naval exercises,” he stated.
The drill is divided into two phases — coastal and maritime — and includes a broad range of operations: assistance to a distressed vessel, vertical transfer maneuvers, search and rescue operations, man overboard response, officer of the watch drills, maritime formation sailing, aerial photography, and a naval parade.
Razaqi emphasized that Iran remains fully committed to maintaining security in the Caspian Sea. “Ensuring regional and international maritime security is a top priority for the Islamic Republic of Iran. Our naval forces will not tolerate any maritime violations and will work closely with neighboring states to guarantee full safety across the region,” he said.
The CASAREX 2025 maritime rescue and relief exercise, which began on 21 July 2025 in the Caspian Sea, is hosted by the Iranian Army Navy’s northern fleet. The Iranian Navy, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, and Law Enforcement Command are participating alongside the Russian Navy, with observers from other Caspian littoral states in attendance.
Russia and Iran’s joint naval exercise strongly asserts their military presence in the strategically important region.
This operation demonstrates Moscow and Tehran’s capacity for maritime security and rescue operations, reinforcing their control over the Caspian Sea region.
