Iran and Caspian Sea Legal Convention Strengthens Regional Security

The Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, signed in 2018 by Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, is awaiting ratification by the Iranian parliament. The treaty establishes a comprehensive legal regime for the sea, bans the presence of non‑littoral military forces and assigns exclusive security responsibilities to the five coastal states.

Iranian officials say ratifying the convention will solidify the country's legal position, reduce ambiguities, and enhance regional stability. Full implementation is expected to facilitate maritime transport, develop a north‑south trade corridor, and attract domestic and foreign investment by providing clearer rules for shipping, energy projects and other economic activities in the Caspian region.