The geopolitical situation in the Caspian region is undergoing sharp changes. This area has now become not only a zone of economic interests but also a field of major diplomatic confrontations. While Russia is strengthening its positions, it is attempting to rely not on its former allies but on Tehran.
According to "Central Asia," Russia aims to counter new alliances in the Caspian by leaning on Iran—particularly as the military-political rapprochement of states like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Turkey is causing concern in the Kremlin.
For this reason, Moscow is organizing a series of naval exercises together with Iran. Although official statements claim these exercises are being conducted for "rescue purposes," some analysts see them as a signal against the U.S., Israel, and even Azerbaijan.
However, observers assess Russia's actions as a sign of weakness. The issue is that Russia recently failed to defend Tehran politically or militarily during Israel's attack on Iran's nuclear infrastructure. This has further eroded trust in Moscow within Iran.
Meanwhile, Iran has begun viewing not Russia but Central Asian states and Turkey as key partners in transit and energy cooperation. Tehran itself is pursuing a multi-directional foreign policy, aiming not to restore Russia's influence in the Caspian but to strengthen its own position.
Moscow feels it is losing control in the Caspian. Iran, meanwhile, is taking advantage of Russia's fears to advance its own agenda.
