Russia supplying weapons to Iran via secret route, claims report:Shipments include missile, drone parts, ammunition; ships switch off tracking systems to evade detection

Russia is secretly helping Iran bolster its military stockpile. NBC News reports that Russia is sending TNT explosives, drone parts, and ammunition to Iran. The report, citing a European government document, said satellite images indicated they may also contain parts needed to build ballistic missiles. Iran’s military stockpiles were significantly depleted in recent conflicts with the US and Israel. Russia is using the Caspian Sea as a route to do this, which borders Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan. This sea route helps avoid Western surveillance. Ships passing through it can turn off their tracking systems (AIS), making their movements very difficult to track. The Caspian Sea is a backdoor for Russia and Iran The Caspian Sea serves as a secure backdoor and strategic sea route between Russia and Iran. This backdoor allows both countries to send military equipment without evading international sanctions and Western scrutiny. The legal status of the Caspian Sea has long been disputed, but the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea was signed in 2018. This agreement gives the five Caspian Sea littoral countries rights over its resources and security. However, this agreement primarily concerns maritime boundaries and the use of resources. It prohibits the entry of any foreign military force into the region, making it a zone of exclusive influence for these five countries. Previously Iran used to supply drones to Russia, now Russia is helping Iran During the Ukraine war, Iran provided Russia with drones like the Shahed. Now, Russia is helping Iran replenish its depleted military stockpiles. Reports of Russia sending supplies to Iran have emerged at a time when Israel has already targeted Iran’s important ports and military supply networks. According to The Times of Israel, Israeli strikes had damaged some facilities at the Bandar Anzali port and bases connected to the Iranian Navy. This port is said to be part of the maritime network that delivers military supplies to Iran. Iran is also taking missile parts from China Russia denied helping Iran Russia and Iran have not publicly stated any details about the supply of these items. Russia has previously denied reports of providing military equipment to Iran. Russia has consistently denied providing any military equipment to Iran beyond its declared military cooperation. Western intelligence agencies are reluctant to publicly disclose the speed with which Iran has replenished its military stockpile. However, Israeli intelligence agencies reportedly were surprised by the speed with which Iran was able to replenish some of its missile stockpiles. ​