سمیه قنبری

As a major maritime power strategically situated along critical waterways, analyzing the intersections between Iran's blue economy goals, evolving maritime policies and sophisticated global diplomatic engagements is pivotal. This study utilizes qualitative techniques and international relations theories to conduct an in-depth investigation into Iran's strategic calculus across these realms. The purpose is to unravel the complex balancing of pragmatic interests, constraints, and selective cooperation opportunities shaping Iran's maritime maneuvering. Extensive document analysis and illustrative case studies are systematically employed to comprehensively analyze Iran's sector-specific strategies, stances on maritime laws and regimes, key international collaborations. The findings reveal that while developmental aspirations in priority blue economy sectors dominate Iran's interests, it faces multifaceted constraints from sanctions, disputes and domestic limitations which require nuanced navigation. Opportunities to expand regional influence through strategic alignments exist but necessitate enhanced dispute resolution, diplomatic creativity and sustainable regional collaboration to fully materialize mutual gains. Overall, the study provides seminal insights into Iran's maritime positioning, highlighting the overarching importance of adaptability, vision, and cooperation despite geopolitical tensions in advancing shared governance of vital waterways and collective maritime interests.