Abstract. The article describes the complicating geopolitical situation in the Caspian region and defines its strategic significance. The historical role of the “Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea”, adopted in 2018 by five littoral states (Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan), is revealed. The priorities of the Caspian Five and their naval potential are considered. Special attention is paid to the peculiarities of the international political interaction of the Caspian states in the context of the ongoing attempts by the United States to increase their influence in the Caspian Sea region.