ASPI

Iran is shifting its trade routes north to the Caspian Sea as the ongoing war impairs shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the main artery for its oil and goods exports. The Strait's disruption has forced Tehran to seek alternatives, including transit via northern ports and routes through Central Asian neighbours. The change signals how the conflict is reshaping Iran's commerce and regional logistics.

Attention is turning to whether Iran can reroute trade through the Caspian Sea now that conflict has impaired shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway that carries much of Iran's and the region's commerce. Analysts are examining the logistics of shifting cargo north, and the question highlights how the war is reshaping trade routes and raising concerns over supply disruption.

Iran is exploring moving its oil and trade flows north to Caspian Sea routes as the war and US pressure impair shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint for most of its crude exports. Analysts question whether Caspian corridors, reliant on limited ports and neighbouring states' cooperation, can realistically replace the Gulf route at scale.

Kazakhstan's president has posthumously awarded military personnel who died during naval exercises in the Caspian Sea, according to Qazinform. The state honour recognises the service members killed in the training incident. Details on the cause of the deaths or the exact date of the drills have not been disclosed, and officials have not yet published further information about the exercise.

A new report in Vietnam highlights that an overwhelming 92% of people who say they want social housing have never actually submitted an application. The finding points to persistent barriers in the country's affordable housing programme, with observers citing complicated procedures, strict eligibility rules and limited suitable supply as likely reasons keeping would-be buyers from formally applying despite strong stated demand.