Commander of Iranian navy arrives in Russia for Caspian naval meeting

The commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Navy, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, has arrived in Saint Petersburg to take part in a meeting of Caspian Sea naval chiefs.

Upon his arrival at Pulkovo International Airport on October 5, Rear Admiral Irani was welcomed by Iran’s ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, and Deputy Commander of the Russian Navy, Vladimir Zemskov, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

During his visit, the Iranian naval chief is scheduled to hold talks with the commander of the Russian Navy, attend the Caspian Sea naval chiefs’ meeting, and hold bilateral discussions with the heads of the Azerbaijani and Kazakh navies.

The itinerary also includes visits to several naval bases in the Gulf of Finland, the flagship frigate Admiral Grigorovich, and the Russian Naval Museum.

The Caspian Sea naval chiefs’ meeting focuses on maritime security, joint exercises, and countering smuggling, building on the 2018 Aktau Convention that defined territorial waters and resource rights.

Iran’s naval diplomacy, led by Irani since 2021, aligns with Russia through drills like CASAREX 2025, signalling unity against Western influence. Irani’s agenda includes talks with Russia’s Navy Commander, bilateral meetings with Azerbaijani and Kazakh naval leaders, and visits to Russian naval bases and the Admiral Grigorovich frigate.

The Caspian, vital for its $3 trillion energy reserves, remains a strategic hub as Iran and Russia deepen their military partnership.

By Aghakazim Guliyev