Iranian regional behavior towards sea lanes and straits in the Middle East

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Assistant lecturer in political science at the October Institute of Economics and Political Science, City of Culture and Science

Abstract

This study examines the dimensions, features, and repercussions of Iranian regional ‎‎‎behavior towards the sea lanes and straits in the Middle East‎ from 2011 to 2022.‎ In its theoretical framework, the study relies on realistic theory and its concepts (power, balance of power, and national interest). It utilizes the ‎geopolitical analysis methodology to understand the determinants and ‎motives of Iranian behavior. It also employs the geostrategic and geoeconomic analysis methodology to explain the regional and international competition with ‎Iran over the sea lanes and straits in the region.‎
The study concludes‎ that Iran ‎‎‎‎uses those sea lanes and straits as negotiating cards to relieve ‎internal and external ‎‎‎‎‎pressures and achieve various gains. For instance, it makes verbal threats, engages ‎in ‎‎‎limited military operations, establishes ‎military bases around them, and allies with ‎‎other ‎‎powers. ‎Consequently, Iran’s regional behavior towards the sea lanes and straits in the Middle East poses a multi-dimensional threat to the security of the ‎regional ‎countries ‎and the strategic value of those sea lanes and straits. In addition, it causes ‎negative ‎‎economic ‎repercussions for those countries‎
Therefore, the study recommends coordinating regional and international efforts in maritime security, ‎‎‎framing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to confront regional and ‎‎‎international threats to the sea lanes and straits in the region.

Keywords

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics