Political Strategic Studies

The Role of Maritime Geopolitics in the Crisis Management Behavior of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

elham keshavarz moghadam 1
ali mehrabi 2

1 Assistant Professor,of International Relations, International Relations Department, Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Master of Arts in International Relations, International Relations Department, Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

10.22054/qpss.2026.92795.3782
Abstract
This study examines the behavioral pattern of the Islamic Republic of Iran in foreign policy by analyzing the role of maritime geopolitics in its regional and international approaches, particularly under conditions of crisis. Given the central role of power in international relations, geopolitics serves as a strategic context for foreign policy decision-making. As a power with a strategically significant geographical position in West Asia, Iran has sought to utilize maritime geopolitical capacities to manage security, political, and economic crises. Adopting a descriptive-explanatory approach, this article argues that emphasis on maritime geopolitics, alongside a security doctrine grounded in neorealism, has functioned as an effective mechanism for enhancing Iran’s strategic maneuverability in regional crises. The central research question is: How can the Islamic Republic of Iran utilize maritime geopolitics to develop mechanisms for crisis resolution? The findings indicate that Iran seeks to enhance deterrence capabilities; establish geopolitical linkages with adjacent regions, particularly the Red Sea; pursue extraterritorial balancing; strengthen maritime capabilities; contain crisis escalation; expand its agency; compete with neighboring coastal powers over maritime spaces; and enhance its capacity to control and manage related crises.

Keywords

Regional Security
Islamic Republic of Iran
Maritime Geopolitics
Deterrence
Crisis Management
Subjects
Political Strategic Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 31 October 2026

Main Page

Editorial Board

Guide for Authors

Submit Manuscript

Contact Us