Russia Secretly Supplies Iran With Ammunition and Drone Components via Caspian Sea

Russia continues to transfer ammunition, explosives, and drone manufacturing components to Iran through the Caspian Sea, according to a report by NBC News on Tuesday. The report is based on a European government document verified by a Western source, revealing that shipments persist amid tightening cooperation between Moscow and Tehran and Iran's efforts to rebuild its weapons arsenal. This route has been previously exposed, with the New York Times reporting in May that Russia was sending parts to help Iran replenish about 60% of its drone stock destroyed in recent conflicts with the US and Israel.

The Caspian Sea route is used to bypass the US blockade on Iranian ports, as shipments that once passed through the Strait of Hormuz have been disrupted. NBC's latest report states that the supplies now include TNT explosives and ammunition alongside drone components. These deliveries come as Iran reportedly prepares for potential renewed conflict with the US or Israel. An Iranian official recently warned Washington it has only "weeks" to meet Tehran's demands and restore the June memorandum of understanding, threatening a fully "offensive" policy if the US blockade continues indefinitely.

In a related incident, a ship attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz was struck by unidentified ammunition, damaging its engine room and injuring at least one crew member. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported the attack, with suspicions pointing to Iran due to its efforts to disrupt shipping in the strait, though no direct evidence has been presented. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf declared the strait would remain closed until the US complies with Tehran's conditions, including lifting the maritime blockade, removing sanctions, and releasing frozen Iranian assets worldwide.

Iran's Defense Ministry stated it will continue developing its defense capabilities in response to new threats and needs. The Caspian Sea has long served as a critical transit corridor between Russia and Iran, with no US presence and only five bordering countries having direct access. Ships on this route often turn off tracking systems to evade monitoring, facilitating sanction evasion and military equipment transfers, as explained by experts familiar with the region.