Russia is reportedly transporting drone manufacturing components to Iran through the Caspian Sea, avoiding the risks and monitoring associated with the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. officials cited by The New York Times. The report describes the Caspian Sea as an increasingly vital corridor for both open and covert trade between the two countries.

Unnamed U.S. officials said the route is helping Iran rebuild its military capacity after recent U.S. and Israeli strikes. They warned that continued supplies from Russia could soon restore Tehran’s drone capabilities. Military analysts estimated that Iran may have lost up to 60 percent of its drones in recent conflicts, a claim Tehran denied. An Iranian military official stated that the number of drones used in battle was small compared to total reserves and asserted that Iran could sustain warfare for several more months if needed.

Experts noted that the Caspian route allows Russia and Iran to move goods and military equipment more safely, evading sanctions and oversight. Analysts described the region as geopolitically neglected, enabling both nations to exploit its strategic advantages.