Aref Dehghandar – International Security Researcher

Recent geopolitical developments, particularly the shift in the approach of current leaders of the Persian Gulf littoral states, who are now focused on economic development and de-escalation, have provided Iran with opportunities to leverage this environment to advance its interests.

One of the main pillars of securing this region is cooperation on environmental issues and combating smuggling, which directly impact Iran’s national and economic security. Oil pollution, declining aquatic resources, and climate change in the Persian Gulf are threats that endanger the region’s stability. At the same time, the smuggling of goods, drugs, and humans undermines maritime border security. Iran can take the initiative by proposing regional frameworks for environmental monitoring and establishing joint anti-smuggling patrols.

At the same time, the shift in the approach of Persian Gulf littoral states, particularly Saudi Arabia, which, under its current leadership, seeks economic diversification and reduced oil dependency, could pave the way for cooperation in these areas. Unlike during Trump’s first term, when these countries participated in maximum pressure campaigns against Iran, they now show less inclination toward geopolitical adventurism against Iran. This environment could provide Iran with an opportunity to propose joint projects, reducing threats while fostering regional cooperation in the Persian Gulf.

As the cornerstone of Iran’s national interests and those of other regional states, energy security lies at the heart of any maritime strategy. The Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz are vital arteries for global energy transit, and any disruption in this route affects the regional and global balance of power. As a regional power in the northern Persian Gulf, Iran can cooperate with neighboring countries to protect maritime routes and oil facilities from potential threats, including piracy.

Additionally, the interaction model of actors like Australia and ASEAN member states can be leveraged to enhance maritime security capabilities. Notably, ASEAN countries, despite their strategic disagreements with Australia (such as the South China Sea dispute) and even internal differences within ASEAN regarding how to engage with Australia, emphasize maritime trade security. Australia, with its experience in managing naval security in the Indo-Pacific region and its focus on threats like climate change and illegal fishing, has sought to be a source of technology and knowledge exchange in recent years.

As a regional organization, ASEAN offers a model of cooperation in various fields that could be examined for designing similar mechanisms in the Persian Gulf. However, it must be noted that geopolitical and historical differences in the Persian Gulf region should be considered when creating a new model. Pursuing such a model amid evolving global and regional dynamics could reduce international pressures and strengthen Iran’s regional standing.

In conclusion, pursuing the above approach in the Persian Gulf presents Iran with an opportunity to secure its national interests in a competitive and changing environment. Establishing collective mechanisms for cooperation in environmental protection, anti-smuggling efforts, and energy security could reduce threats and enhance regional convergence. Geopolitical developments, including the shift in the approach of Persian Gulf leaders toward development and de-escalation, as well as their distancing from past adventurist policies on the international stage, have created space for specific collaborations that can be exploited.