Reza Rahimi; Kiomars Yazdan Panah
Volume 7, Issue 4 , December 2023, , Pages 231-260
Abstract
The geopolitical landscape of the Persian Gulf region has witnessed significant transformations in recent decades, marked by considerable tensions and conflicts among active political ...
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The geopolitical landscape of the Persian Gulf region has witnessed significant transformations in recent decades, marked by considerable tensions and conflicts among active political actors in the region, especially the neighboring countries of the Persian Gulf. Currently, amidst new developments, whispers about reducing tensions among regional countries, especially Iran and Saudi Arabia, are heard, which could potentially influence the geopolitical situation of the Persian Gulf region and improve future conditions in terms of economic, security, military, cultural, and environmental cooperation platforms. This research is premised on the notion that achieving peaceful convergence based on the mutual interests and needs of countries, such as economic, military, energy, and environmental needs, will create favorable conditions across various domains within the region. The aim of this research is to analyze the key factors and driving forces affecting the future status of the geopolitical situation in the Persian Gulf region. The present study is based on an exploratory-applied research method, and the necessary data have been obtained through interviews with experts. The research findings indicate that the influential factors on the future status of the geopolitical situation in the Persian Gulf region include, in order, factors such as extra-regional partners, the influence of major powers, establishing a common market, maritime cooperation, oil and gas trade, arms competitions, intra-regional conflicts, exchange rates, goods transit, and China's entry. Proper utilization of these key factors can lead to geopolitical convergence in the region.
