Iran Navy vessels arrive in Azerbaijan for AZIREX-2025 joint exercise
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Iran and Azerbaijan hold joint naval drills in the Caspian Sea under AZIREX-2025, emphasizing regional cooperation.
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Iran Navy servicemembers perform a military salute on board a vessel in the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, on October 15, 2025. (Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense)
Vessels and personnel from the Iranian Navy have arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in the AZIREX-2025 joint naval exercise, aimed at bolstering cooperation between the two neighboring countries and enhancing maritime safety in the Caspian Sea.
According to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, “Ships and personnel from the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Naval Forces entered Azerbaijan’s territorial waters and arrived at the meeting point to participate in the AZIREX-2025 joint search and rescue exercises.”
“A welcoming ceremony was held for the ships. The Azerbaijani naval command and other officials participated in the event,” the ministry added.
A gesture of regional cooperation
The Iranian naval vessels were received with full military honors at an Azerbaijani port, where senior naval commanders from both sides met to discuss the objectives of the joint drill and prospects for expanding future cooperation.
The AZIREX series (short for Azerbaijan-Iran Exercises) was established as a recurring framework for maritime coordination in the Caspian Sea. This year’s edition focuses primarily on joint search and rescue operations, emergency response, and coordination in maritime safety missions, reinforcing the image of the Caspian as a zone of peace and cooperation rather than confrontation.
Officials emphasized that the exercises are designed to “develop mutual understanding and interoperability between the two countries’ naval units” while improving readiness for maritime emergencies, such as ship collisions, oil spills, or natural disasters.
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Strengthening ties amid regional complexities
Iran and Azerbaijan share deep historical and cultural ties, though their relationship has experienced periodic tensions over border issues and regional politics. The continuation of joint naval drills demonstrates a mutual interest in maintaining open communication and operational coordination in the Caspian, where both nations have vital economic and security interests.
For Iran, which has long advocated for collective security among Caspian littoral states, the joint drills underscore its commitment to a cooperative regional order free from external interference. For Azerbaijan, strengthening defense coordination with Tehran also reflects a pragmatic approach to balancing regional partnerships with Iran and neighboring powers such as Russia and Turkey.
Previous iterations of the AZIREX exercises, including AZIREX-2024, featured tactical and rescue missions under the motto “Cooperation for Peace and Friendship.” This year’s edition continues that message, emphasizing the role of naval diplomacy in promoting mutual trust and stability.
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