This trade occurs completely out of reach of Western warships. The world‘s largest lake is completely enclosed by land. Therefore, outside military forces cannot enter these waters. At present, there is zero physical resistance to disrupt this pipeline. The two countries use this blind spot to bypass the global embargo.

The international coalition must plug this northern loophole to stop Iran’s war machine. A standard naval blockade is physically impossible. Instead, the solution requires practical diplomacy and targeted financial penalties.

The key to isolating the lake lies with three neighboring nations. These countries are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. None of them want a nuclear-armed Iran to dominate their backyard. Fortunately, Washington’s relationship with these border states is growing through direct diplomacy.

We are already seeing effective diplomatic groundwork take shape. The U.S. recently signed a historic Charter on Strategic Partnership with Azerbaijan. This deal builds deep economic and security ties on Iran’s border. Simultaneously, the White House has brought Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan into new regional partnership groups. High-level congressional teams have also visited Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan to build Western ties.

The U.S. and its allies must use these friendships to squeeze the pipeline. We can accomplish this through three direct actions.

First, the West should provide advanced tracking tech to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Coastal radar networks and satellite upgrades will expose Russia‘s shadow cargo fleet. These nations may want to avoid direct military fights with Moscow. However, superior data tracking still helps. It lets international monitors identify exactly which ships break the rules.

Second, Washington must deploy strict economic sanctions against the physical docks. The coalition should target port authorities, shipping firms, and local banks. These nodes handle the illicit trade inside the Caspian basin. A regional port might choose to service a banned ship. If so, that port must be cut off from Western finance. Local governments will face a simple choice. They can trade with global markets or help a rogue neighbor. Faced with that choice, they will tighten inspections at their docks.

Finally, the coalition must support physical actions if pressure fails. U.S. ships cannot patrol the lake. However, the West can expand training and boat upgrades for friendly coast guards. This empowers regional partners to police their own waters against smuggling. Furthermore, precise strikes against Iranian military ports serve as a warning. They prove the supply chain is vulnerable at its final destination.

TRUMP TALKED FOR A WEEK. SIX CAPITALS MOVED

Washington cannot afford to wait. The strategy to contain Iran cannot stop at the Persian Gulf. A blockade that leaves a massive northern pipeline untouched is broken. Washington must act with absolute urgency to implement these steps now. Every day that policymakers delay allows this shadow fleet to grow stronger. This delay creates a direct threat to international security.

Solving this blind spot is a vital necessity. Sealing this northern border will accelerate Iran’s isolation. This isolation directly aids the long-suffering freedom of the Iranian people. It will shield the global economy from chaotic energy shocks. Most importantly, it protects the world from an unchecked nuclear threat. We must use our regional friendships and police these landlocked ports. The international coalition can finally close the loop. It is time to shut the back door and secure a safer future.

Eric Wargotz, M.D., is a political and policy analyst and commentator, a former U.S. Senate nominee, and former elected president of the Queen Anne’s County Board of Commissioners in Maryland. A clinical professor emeritus at George Washington University and a judge, he has held leadership roles across government and medicine. The views expressed here are entirely his own.