IDF strikes Iranian Navy in Caspian Sea

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/424243

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/424538

An Israeli strike at the Bandar Anzali port on the Caspian Sea targeted infrastructure used to transfer Shahed drones and ammunition between Russia and Iran.

Israel carried out a rare and unprecedented airstrike last week on Iran's Bandar Anzali port on the Caspian Sea. The strike targeted an area hundreds of kilometers beyond the IDF's typical operational range, in a region long viewed as a secure "backyard" for both Iran and Russia.

The attack hit strategic infrastructure at the port used for transferring weapons, ammunition, and Shahed drones between Iran and Russia. In recent years, the Caspian Sea has emerged as a vital supply route for Moscow in its war against Ukraine and for Tehran in arming its regional proxies across the Middle East.

Security officials noted that, in addition to causing significant physical damage, the operation aimed to expose the vulnerabilities of Iran's maritime and air defenses, even in remote locations far from the influence of the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf.

The strike will compel Iran and Russia to shift to alternative smuggling routes that are longer, more costly, and more exposed to disruption.

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/424538

The Israeli Air Force, guided by naval intelligence and the Intelligence Directorate, struck major infrastructure belonging to the Iranian Navy.

During the strikes, dozens of vessels anchored in the port sustained direct hits. Among the major targets that were destroyed were missile ships, support vessels, and guard ships. The missile ships that were targeted were equipped with aerial surveillance systems and additional anti-submarine missiles. Additionally, the IAF destroyed a port command center from which Iranian Navy forces controlled naval operations in the Caspian Sea, as well as central infrastructure used for vessel repair and maintenance.

This strike was conducted with close cooperation between the commander of the Israeli Air Force and the commander of the Israeli Navy from within the Israeli Air Force command center. The IDF has dubbed it one of the most significant strikes conducted since the start of Operation Roaring Lion.

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/424243