Long Overlooked, Caspian Sea Provides Strategic Trade Route for Iran
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Israeli fighter jets struck Iran’s naval command center at Bandar Anzali on the Caspian Sea, destroying several Iranian navy vessels in what Israel called one of its most significant strikes against Iran.
- The attack took place on the Caspian Sea, a strategically important but often overlooked waterway linking Russia and Iran, rather than the more critical Persian Gulf.
- The Caspian Sea serves as a vital trade route for Russia and Iran, facilitating both overt and covert shipments amid ongoing wars and heavy Western sanctions on both countries.
- U.S. officials report that Russia is using the Caspian Sea to send drone components to Iran, aiding Tehran in rebuilding its drone capabilities after significant losses in recent conflicts.
