The Strait of Hormuz at the intersection of maritime law and the strategic policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 25 April 2026

Document Type : Original Independent Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Allameh Askari International University, Qom, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Allameh Askari International University, Dezful, Iran.

Abstract
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy bottlenecks that plays a vital role in international oil trade. In recent years, in the shadow of international tensions, the debate over Iran's ability to close or control the Strait of Hormuz as a means of deterrence or countering external pressures has been raised. The main question of this research is to what extent is Iran able to control or block the Strait of Hormuz in three dimensions: military, legal, and security? The hypothesis of the article is based on the fact that Iran, relying on its local military power, strategic geographical location, and specific interpretation of international law, has the ability to use the means of blocking or destabilizing the Strait as a lever of pressure. The present study examines Iran's capacities in the military, legal, and security fields with a descriptive-analytical approach and using the theory of defensive realism. It also examines domestic and international perspectives on Iran's military capabilities. The results of the research show that Iran, relying on its indigenous capabilities and defense structure, is capable of disrupting maritime traffic; although its official strategy emphasizes maintaining security and collective cooperation with regional actors.

Keywords

Subjects