# Russia and Iran criticise US Caspian task force

> Russia and Iran call US Caspian task force a violation of international law.
- Title: Russia and Iran criticise US Caspian task force · euronews
- Summary: Russia and Iran call US Caspian task force a violation of international law. Russia and Iran accuse US of violating international law by creating a Caspian…
- Keywords: russia, iran, us caspian task force, international law, strait of hormuz, sanction evasion, iranian trade routes, russian iran cooperation, euronews
- Source: euronews — https://euronews.com/2026/11/12/russia-and-iran-criticise-us-caspian-task-force-as-study-outlines-joint-sanction-evasion
- Author: Babak Kamiar
- Published: 2026-11-12T18:53:36+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: russia, iran, us caspian task force, international law, strait of hormuz, sanction evasion, iranian trade routes, russian iran cooperation, news, world, politics
## US creates Caspian task force
US Central Command announced a new task force to monitor and block Iran's trade and transport routes in the Caspian region.
## Russia calls it a violation
Russia's Foreign Ministry described the task force as a 'clear threat' to the rights and interests of littoral states.

> a clear violation of international law
## Iran warns of military escalation
Iran issued warnings about widening military confrontation following US task force creation.
## ISW study reveals cooperation
Institute for the Study of War found Iran and Russia cooperate to evade US sanctions through Caspian Sea trade routes.
## Historical sanction evasion
Iran used Caspian Sea trade routes with Russia to import arms during the 2026 US-Israel-Iran War.
## Sanction evasion method
Sanctioned Russian cargo ships transfer cargo to Iranian ports while switching off AIS systems.
## Ukraine strikes shipment
Ukraine targeted two cargo ships in Caspian Sea involved in Iran-Russia arms transfers.
## Railway project progress
Iran and Russia approved railway construction linking Russia to Persian Gulf ports.
## Gas pipeline plans
Iran and Russia plan gas pipelines to address fuel shortages and enable exports.
## Strait of Hormuz incident
Two supertankers halted in Strait of Hormuz after massive explosion.
## Iran's missile range expansion
Iran increased ballistic missile range from 1,400 to 2,000 kilometres with new missile system.
## Iran warns of military response
Iran threatens to target US military bases if US starts war against Iran.
## Key takeaway

Russia and Iran accuse US of violating international law by creating a Caspian Sea task force to block Iranian trade routes.