Russia Resumes Wheat Exports to Iran via Caspian Sea Amid Middle East Tensions
Russia has resumed wheat exports to Iran via the Caspian Sea for the first time in years, marking a significant shift in trade routes due to ongoing Middle East conflicts. The Caspian Sea has become a crucial trade corridor as traditional routes through the Black Sea face disruptions. In the first quarter of 2026, Russia exported substantial quantities of grain, including wheat, barley, and corn, to Iran, which is now a major buyer of Russian wheat. This development is part of Russia's broader strategy to enhance its Caspian Sea logistics and target new markets in the Gulf States, Iraq, and Afghanistan.