Russia Sends Explosives to Iran via Caspian Sea to Bolster Weapons Arsenal

Russia is transferring shipments of ammunition, including TNT explosives and drone components, to Iran through a protected maritime route in the Caspian Sea, according to an NBC report citing a European document verified by a Western source. These deliveries aim to help Tehran rebuild its weapons stockpile ahead of a potential direct conflict with the United States and Israel. The maritime route, known as the "Caspian Express," serves as a bypass to the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. Previously used mainly for Iranian drones sent to Russia, the route now facilitates two-way equipment flow, including rearming the Iranian military after significant losses in confrontations with the U.S. and Israel.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Persian Gulf continue to escalate. An unidentified ship was hit by unknown munitions while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in at least one casualty. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf declared the strait will remain closed until the U.S. lifts the naval blockade, removes sanctions, and releases frozen Iranian assets. The Caspian Sea route is considered an ideal sanction evasion channel due to the absence of U.S. presence. Despite previous disruption attempts, including Ukrainian attacks on ships and an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian Navy headquarters in Bandar Anzali in March, maritime traffic persists.

Experts warn the Trump administration must address this issue and suggest leveraging Azerbaijan to disrupt the route before it becomes a permanent logistical backbone for the Russia-Iran alliance.