The Caspian Sea Under Threat: Saving Lives Must Not Conceal Military Routes

The Caspian Sea Under Threat: Saving Lives Must Not Conceal Military Routes Statement of the Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “DAYANCH” / Turkmenistan The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “DAYANCH” expresses deep concern regarding information about the incident involving the Iranian cargo vessel Rona in the Caspian Sea and the accompanying reports of its possible involvement in the transportation of weapons. According to the official statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, on January 14, 2026, Turkmenistan’s coastal services received an SOS signal from the Iranian cargo ship Rona, which was in distress. All 14 crew members were rescued by the forces of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Turkmenistan. We emphasize that saving human lives is an unconditional humanitarian duty and deserves full respect. However, the subsequent facts raise serious international concerns. According to The Maritime Executive, the vessel showed significant damage to the mid-section of the hull, smoke, and deformation of the stern. Ukrainian sources circulated unverified but alarming video footage indicating possible external impact on the ship. The Ukrainian news channel “Astra” reported that the cargo vessel Rona regularly operated routes between Iranian ports and the Russian ports of Astrakhan, Makhachkala, and Azov. This route coincides with the corridor used for the delivery of Iranian weapons to the Russian Federation for use in the war against Ukraine. Earlier, in 2023, The Wall Street Journal identified Rona as one of the vessels involved in transporting weapons through the so-called “Caspian corridor.” According to Western officials, Iran has supplied Russia with weapons worth billions of dollars in recent years, including ballistic missiles, artillery ammunition, and long-range drones, a significant portion of which were delivered via the Caspian Sea. The cause of the ship’s damage has not been officially confirmed. At the same time, publications mention a version of a possible attack by Ukrainian special forces using long-range drones. Reports also refer to previous strikes on Russian military transport vessels in the Caspian Sea. Position of the “DAYANCH” Human Rights Platform We consider it necessary to emphasize: The Caspian Sea must not be transformed into a hidden military logistics corridor. Turkmenistan, as a neutral state, must not be involved — directly or indirectly — in schemes related to arms supplies that fuel war, civilian deaths, and international instability. Any non-transparent military logistics through the Caspian Sea poses a threat to: • regional security, • international law, • the ecological safety of the Caspian Sea, • the neutral status of Caspian littoral states. We draw the attention of the international community to the urgent need for an independent investigation into arms supply routes through the Caspian Sea and the role of shipping companies involved in these schemes. Our Call The Human Rights Platform “DAYANCH” calls on: • the United Nations, • the OSCE, • the International Maritime Organization (IMO), • the European Union, • human rights and anti-war organizations to pay close attention to the militarization of the Caspian region and the hidden channels of arms supplies. The Caspian Sea must remain a sea of peace, trade, and cooperation — not a corridor of war. Sources of Information: • hronikatm.com — publication dated January 16, 2026 • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan • The Maritime Executive • Ukrainian news channel “Astra” • The Wall Street Journal (2023) Source link: https://www.hronikatm.com/2026/01/iranskoe-sudno-s-kotorogo-turkmenskoe-mchs-spaslo-lyudej-moglo-dostavlyat-oruzhie-dlya-vojny-v-ukraine/?utm_source=telegram&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=auto_post