Iran and Russia are holding a joint naval exercise on the Caspian Sea, The Times of Israel reported today.

Russian warships Volgodonsk and Makhachkala berthed in Anzali Port on August 9 for a three-day stay.

Commander of Iran’s fleet of warships in the Northern Gilan province Admiral Ahmad Reza Baqeri said that Iranian destroyer Damavand and missile-launching warships Joshan and Peika will sail with the Russian ships in the drill along with 200 other Iranian naval forces.

Iran and Russia’s history of strong commercial and military ties had waned since 2010, after Russia began adhering to international sanctions against Iran.

Iran demanded in a late stage of negotiations over its nuclear program that international embargoes on selling conventional and non-conventional weapons be lifted. Their demand was met due to heavy backing from Russia and China, both of which are expected to benefit from extensive arms sales to Iran.

Two weeks ago, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force commander Qassem Suleimani, visited Russia in violation of an international travel ban. Suleimani met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

In April, Russia decided to end a ban of delivery of S-300 missile systems to Iran, but has not yet shipped the sophisticated ground-to-air systems.

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