Israeli army claims first strike on Iranian naval base in Caspian Sea

2026-03-20 - 09:19

The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for what it described as the first strikes on Iranian naval infrastructure in the Caspian Sea, significantly expanding the geographic scope of the ongoing conflict. According to a statement released Thursday, Israeli Air Force aircraft conducted the operation, targeting a military port where dozens of naval vessels are normally docked. The army alleged that the strikes hit a facility housing missile boats and patrol ships, along with vessels equipped with air defense systems and anti-submarine missiles. A central command headquarters responsible for overseeing Iranian naval operations in the region was also among the targets, the military said. The port, according to the statement, serves both routine and emergency naval functions, including maintenance and repair infrastructure for the fleet. Expanding Theater of War Iranian authorities have not yet commented on the Israeli claims. If confirmed, the operation would represent a significant geographical expansion of the US-Israeli campaign against Tehran, which until now has focused largely on targets within the Persian Gulf region and Iranian territory bordering the Gulf. The Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland body of water, borders northern Iran and lies far from Israel's traditional operational reach. The reported strikes come amid a rapidly escalating regional conflict. Since the US and Israel launched their joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, approximately 1,300 people have been killed, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with multiple waves of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting American military assets. These exchanges have caused significant casualties, damaged critical infrastructure, and disrupted global energy markets and commercial aviation.