Iran and Russia Launch Naval Drills in Challenge to US

Newsweek

21-07-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Iran and Russia have launched a joint naval drill in the Caspian Sea, which borders both countries and lies between Eastern Europe and Central Asia, according to Iranian media.
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department and the Iranian and Russian foreign ministries for comment.
Why It Matters
The naval drills send a message on cooperation between Iranian and Russian armed forces to the United States weeks after it joined Israel in attacking Iranian nuclear sites.
Iran has sought to bolster its military capabilities following the 12-day conflict with Israel during which the U.S. launched strikes on key nuclear sites. Stalled diplomacy has increased the risks for a renewed conflict, as Tehran sought backing from Russia and China to counter U.S. military and economic pressure.
This handout photo made available by the Iranian Army Office on March 12, 2025 shows navy personnel saluting aboard a Chinese military ship during a joint Iranian-Russian-Chinese drill in the Gulf of Oman. The navies...
This handout photo made available by the Iranian Army Office on March 12, 2025 shows navy personnel saluting aboard a Chinese military ship during a joint Iranian-Russian-Chinese drill in the Gulf of Oman. The navies of Iran, Russia and China are holding military drills off the coast of Iran this week in a bid to boost cooperation, according to Iranian media. More
Iranian Army Office/AFP/Getty Images
What To Know
The joint maritime rescue and security drill, codenamed CASAREX 2025, includes the participation of the Iranian Navy, Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy, the Law Enforcement Command of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Navy of the Russian Federation, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
On Monday, Mehr news agency published photos of what it said was the Russian Navy's SB738 vessel entering the Caspian Sea 2025 to join the exercise hosted by Iran's Navy.
Last week, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Russian and Chinese officials at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization security forum (SCO), where he called for united opposition to U.S. military actions and urged deeper strategic coordination.
Earlier this year, U.S.-sanctioned Iran and Russia deepened ties with a defense pact covering joint drills, tech sharing, and coordination against common threats—but without a mutual defense clause. China is also emerging as top candidate to provide advanced weaponry that could help Tehran reestablish deterrence
In June, seven U.S. B-2 stealth bombers dropped GBU‑57 bunker-busters on Iran's Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites. Iran's army commanders have warned both Israel and the U.S. of a "crushing" response against renewed attacks.
Iran has agreed to hold talks in the coming week with Germany, France, and Britain to discuss its nuclear program, a German diplomat told Newsweek.
What People Are Saying
Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA): "The event will be held under the slogan "Together for a Safe and Secure Caspian Sea." The primary goal of the operation is to reinforce maritime safety and security while fostering greater cooperation among the naval forces of these countries."
Department of Defense Chief Spokesman Sean Parnell in statement Saturday: "On July 18, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hosted Israel Minister of Defense Israel Katz to congratulate the Minister on Israel's remarkable performance in the 12-Day War that paved the way for the resounding success of Operation MIDNIGHT HAMMER."
What Happens Next
The exercise kicks off Monday and will take place for three days.