Russia routes explosives and drone parts to Iran through Caspian Sea to rebuild arsenal

A European government paper and confirmed by a Western official reports that Russia has been delivering explosives, drone components and ammunition to Iran through the Caspian Sea. Satellite imagery assessed by analysts indicates the shipments contain items required for ballistic-missile production. The Caspian, bordered by Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, lies outside the jurisdiction of Western naval forces, allowing vessels to disable AIS transponders and avoid detection.

These transfers come after Israeli strikes earlier this year targeted Bandar Anzali, an Iranian port linked to the supply route. Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics is gradually replacing domestically produced missile parts with Russian and Chinese imports, primarily for the IRGC Aerospace Force. The aid forms part of a broader “Look East” defence cooperation that also sees China providing navigation, radar and solid-propellant missile materials. Both Moscow and Tehran have denied providing new military material beyond previously acknowledged assistance.