Israel Conducts First Strikes on Iranian Naval Infrastructure in the Caspian Sea

On 19/03/2026, the Israeli military confirmed it had carried out airstrikes on Iranian naval infrastructure in the Caspian Sea, marking the first reported Israeli attack in that region during the 2026 Iran War. According to Israeli military statements, the strikes targeted a major naval port used by Iran’s northern fleet, where multiple military vessels including missile boats and patrol ships were docked. The operation also hit a command headquarters responsible for managing Iranian naval activity in the Caspian Sea and infrastructure used for maintenance and repair of naval vessels. Reports indicated that vessels targeted included missile ships, support craft, and guard boats positioned at the port and nearby waters. Israeli officials stated that the attack aimed to degrade Iran’s naval capabilities in the northern theater and disrupt operational control in the Caspian Sea. Additional details released by Israeli sources said the strike damaged port facilities and naval command centers used for routine and emergency operations. Subsequent reporting identified the location as Bandar Anzali on Iran’s Caspian Sea coast, where several naval vessels and supporting infrastructure were struck. Some accounts stated that missile boats, a corvette, and auxiliary ships were damaged or destroyed alongside a shipyard and headquarters facility. The strike represented a geographic expansion of Israeli operations beyond the Persian Gulf and eastern Mediterranean theaters into northern Iran. The 19/03/2026 operation occurred amid continuing Israeli strikes on Iranian military infrastructure and Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region. By targeting naval assets in the Caspian Sea, the operation extended the conflict into an area previously untouched by direct Israeli attacks during the war.