The Iranian Embassy in Moscow announced that the naval commanders of Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan have signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement in the Caspian Sea.

The embassy stated on its official Telegram channel that the agreement was concluded at the end of a meeting held between the naval commanders of the Caspian littoral states in Saint Petersburg, noting that its goal is to enhance coordination and cooperation among these countries in maritime and security fields.

According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the agreement stipulates preventing any interference by non-regional countries in the area’s affairs and confirms that maritime security and stability in the Caspian Sea are managed exclusively by joint decisions of the five littoral states.

Russian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Alexander Moiseyev stated that “the Caspian Sea is a closed body of water, and military activities there should be limited to the five littoral states only,” according to the Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper.

Moiseyev called for making these meetings regular and annual, pointing out that the regional countries have the competencies and capabilities needed to independently face security challenges without involving external parties.

To enhance practical cooperation, Admiral Moiseyev proposed resuming the work of joint expert groups to finalize a “five-party memorandum of understanding” on military maritime cooperation, and also suggested organizing joint naval exercises in 2026, including drills on maritime navigation security, protection of economic facilities, and cooperation in search and rescue operations within Caspian waters.

The Iranian Navy Commander, Admiral Shahrairani, arrived in Saint Petersburg on October 5 to participate in this meeting, where he announced the five countries’ intention to organize joint naval exercises soon.

It is noted that Turkmenistan, the fifth Caspian littoral state, did not participate in the meeting as it did not send a delegation to Saint Petersburg despite being invited.