The Geopolitical Competition of the United States, China, and Russia in the Persian Gulf and Its Impact on the Security of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Keywords:
military doctrine, national interests, geostrategy, geopolitics, Persian Gulf, Great powersAbstract
The Persian Gulf has long been one of the most important and vital regions in the world. The presence of vast energy reserves, transportation routes, maritime connectivity, numerous strategic islands, and multiple states has not only transformed the Persian Gulf into a geo-economic environment but has also turned it into a geopolitical and geostrategic arena. There has always been continuous competition among major regional and extraregional powers, including the United States, China, and Russia, in this region. This issue has significant implications for the security and interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as these powers compete over energy and economic interests, geopolitical influence, and regional hegemony. The presence and deployment of U.S. military bases in Iran’s neighboring environment, particularly in the Persian Gulf states, along with the investment-driven sale and export of security-related goods by the United States, China, and Russia to Persian Gulf countries, as well as China's investments in the region under the Belt and Road Initiative to achieve its geo-economic goals, are key examples of this competition. Under these circumstances, such geopolitical rivalries create a complex security and economic environment for the Islamic Republic of Iran, which, in turn, generates both opportunities and threats for Iran’s national interests and security. This study employs a descriptive-analytical method, utilizing books, scholarly articles, and analytical reports as sources. It examines how these competitions influence the Islamic Republic of Iran. These rivalries can lead to increased regional instability, proxy conflicts, and heightened risks to energy corridors and supply routes. Additionally, this study explores how the Islamic Republic of Iran navigates this complex geopolitical landscape. The research argues that escalating competition among major powers has the potential to shape and transform Iran’s foreign policy, military doctrine, and defensive diplomacy. Ultimately, the aim of this research is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the great powers' competition in the Persian Gulf and its implications for the Islamic Republic of Iran by examining various variables.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammad Hadi Vaez Mahdavi (Corresponding author); Mohammad Reza Dehshiri (Author)
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