The Caspian gamble: Iran-Ukraine tensions widen the 'geography of instability'

Nima Moradi was a 23-year-old sailor on his maiden voyage aboard Anna, a commercial ship in the Caspian Sea, carrying iron from Russia to Iran. He was from the port city of Bandar Anzali in northern Iran and had dreamed of becoming a mariner since he was a child. The boat he was travelling on was hit by a Ukrainian long-range drone on 25 July - Moradi was killed in the attack, and another crew member was wounded. In a post on social media, Moradi's father Masoud wrote: “My son, I can’t believe the sadness your absence brings – you left me... we are in pain without wet tears.” Read more: The Caspian gamble: Iran-Ukraine tensions widen the 'geography of instability' Vessels transiting through the Gulf of Oman are pictured off the coast of Muscat on 25 July 2026 (AFP)