Kanal13Israel struck a naval facility on the Caspian Sea, aiming to disrupt Russia’s assistance to Iran by targeting a key logistics corridor used to transport weapons such as drones and ammunition, according to sources familiar with the situation. The attack, carried out last week, marked Israel’s first known strike on the Caspian – an inland body of water linking Russian and Iranian ports roughly 600 miles apart. Because it lies beyond the reach of U.S. naval forces, the route has allowed the two countries to exchange not only commercial goods like grain and oil but also military equipment. In particular, it has served as a major channel for transferring Iranian-made Shahed drones, now produced in both nations, which have been used by Russia in Ukraine and by Iran in strikes across the Persian Gulf.
Military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran has deepened during the conflict. Russia has reportedly supplied Iran with satellite intelligence and enhanced drone capabilities, aiding attacks on U.S. positions and other targets in the region. According to a former Israeli naval commander, a central objective of the strike was to curb Russian weapons trafficking and demonstrate Iran’s vulnerability in the Caspian. Israeli forces said the assault on the port of Bandar Anzali hit numerous assets, including naval vessels, infrastructure, and facilities used for command and ship maintenance. Verified images showed damage to Iran’s naval headquarters and the destruction of several ships, though the full scope of the impact remains unclear. Despite the strike, analysts expect Russia and Iran to seek alternative routes for moving weapons. At the same time, Israel has signaled it could carry out additional attacks if needed to further hinder these operations. Because the Caspian supply network is intertwined with shipments of essential goods like wheat, the strike may also affect Iran’s access to food supplies, underscoring Israel’s ability to exert broader economic pressure. The operation coincided with another Israeli attack on Iran’s South Pars gas field, a critical source for electricity generation and fertilizer production. Experts say disruptions to drone deliveries and possibly grain shipments could have immediate consequences for Iran. Russia condemned the strike, emphasizing the port’s importance as a civilian trade hub and warning against extending the conflict into the Caspian region.
The waterway has been vital for Russia since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, serving as a conduit for Iranian munitions. Reports indicate that in 2023 alone, shipments across the Caspian included hundreds of thousands of artillery shells and vast quantities of ammunition. Tracking these transfers has been difficult, as vessels often disable tracking systems during transit. The US has imposed sanctions on various Russian and Iranian entities involved in these shipments, including shipping firms and individual vessels. Nevertheless, traffic through Bandar Anzali reportedly surged last year, raising suspicions that it has become a key channel for evading sanctions. Experts note that the port plays a central role in Iran’s drone exports and that military facilities operate close to civilian shipping areas, including those used by sanctioned carriers. However, Israel’s ability to fully shut down this route is limited, partly due to Russia’s presence and Israel’s interest in maintaining workable relations with Moscow. To avoid escalating tensions, Israel did not publicly highlight Russia’s role in the strike. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained in contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent months. Sources suggest Israel is unlikely to target Russian vessels operating in the area. While the strike is seen as significant, analysts believe it will only temporarily disrupt flows of goods and weapons, as both countries can reroute shipments through other Caspian ports.
