Iran and Russia Launch Naval Drills in Challenge to US

NEWSWEEK -July21st2025

By Amira Al Malek

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.

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.

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