Bordered by Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water, provides a strategic corridor that is difficult for adversaries to disrupt. As Russia and Iran face mounting sanctions and deepen their military partnership, this route has become increasingly important for moving goods and military supplies. Analysts also say it gives Iran reliable access to Russia and Central Asia while reducing dependence on routes exposed to conflict around the Persian Gulf.
