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BANDAR ANZALI, Iran — In a major geographical expansion of the “Second Iran War,” Israel has conducted its first-ever military strikes in the Caspian Sea, targeting a critical weapons supply corridor between Tehran and Moscow. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday evening, March 24, 2026, the operation effectively severed a key logistics route used to funnel drones, missiles, and ammunition.
The strike on Bandar Anzali, Iran’s primary northern naval base, marks the furthest reach of Israeli airpower since the conflict began on February 28.
Targeting the “Shahed Pipeline”
For over two years, the Caspian Sea has served as a “sanctuary” for Russian and Iranian vessels to bypass Western sanctions. The WSJ report, citing defense officials, confirms the strike aimed to dismantle the infrastructure that sustains this mutual military aid.
Key Strike Details:
- Naval Decimation: Local reports and OSINT analysts indicate that at least half of Iran’s Caspian Northern Fleet was destroyed or disabled. This includes the corvette Hamzeh and at least two Sina-class missile boats.
- The “Reverse” Supply Chain: While Iran originally supplied Shahed-136 drones to Russia, the WSJ notes that the route is now being used by Moscow to send “uprated” Geran-2 drones (Russian-made variants with improved guidance) back to Iran for use against U.S. and Israeli forces.
- Infrastructure Damage: Israeli jets also targeted a Central Command HQ and specialized repair docks, which officials say will deprive the Iranian Navy of Caspian operational capability “for years to come.”
The Kremlin’s Warning: “Extremely Negative”
The strike has drawn a sharp response from Moscow, which views the Caspian Sea as its exclusive sphere of influence.
“Russia would perceive any spillover of the conflict into the Caspian Sea extremely negatively. These reckless actions pose a threat of dragging all Caspian states into the military conflict.” — Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Spokesman
Despite the rhetoric, the Kremlin declined to confirm if any Russian personnel or assets were hit during the strikes on the Bandar Anzali docks.
A Strategic Masterstroke?
The Caspian operation serves multiple strategic purposes for the U.S.-Israeli coalition:
- Deterrence: It signals to Tehran that no corner of the country is beyond the reach of the IAF.
- Pressure on Moscow: It disrupts Russia’s own war efforts in Ukraine by targeting the source of its low-cost loitering munitions.
- Regional Realignment: The strike indirectly bolsters Azerbaijan, a key Israeli partner that has long been wary of Iranian naval posturing in the shared waters.
The “Islamabad” Complication (March 25, 2026)
The timing of the Caspian strike adds a volatile new variable to the “inner circle” diplomacy led by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
| Factor | Status |
| U.S. Position | Pushing for a Thursday summit in Islamabad; Trump says the war is “won.” |
| Iranian Response | Requested to negotiate with VP JD Vance instead of Kushner/Witkoff. |
| Energy Impact | Shell CEO warns of April fuel shortages; Kuwait Airport hit by drone strike today. |
| Friday Deadline | Trump’s ultimatum for an “unconditional reopening” of the Strait expires in 48 hours. |
What’s Next?
As the conflict spills into the Caspian, the risk of a direct Russian intervention—or at least an increased Russian military presence in northern Iran—has surged. If the Thursday, March 26 talks in Islamabad fail to produce a ceasefire, the world may see the “total infrastructure phase” of the war begin on Friday, with the Caspian Sea no longer a safe haven for the “Shahed Pipeline.”
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