درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

Background and Theoretical Foundations : The phenomenon of maritime piracy and maritime terrorism has long posed a persistent threat to international maritime security and the global economy. In recent decades, especially in the Gulf of Aden, Bab el-Mandeb, and northern Indian Ocean, piracy has evolved into a transnational organized crime with political, military, and economic implications. The Islamic Republic of Iran, relying on its strategic naval doctrine and regional maritime presence, has taken an active role in combating piracy, particularly through the operations of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (NEDAJA). This study draws upon international criminal law, international public law, customary law, and Iranian domestic legal frameworks to assess the legal, operational, and normative roles of Iran’s strategic navy in response to piracy and maritime terrorism . Methodology : The study employs a qualitative and comparative legal-analytical approach. It draws from a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including conventions such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the SUA Convention (1988), resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, Iranian national legislation, military doctrinal documents, and recent judicial reports. Additionally, scholarly literature and Persian-language defense and legal analyses were translated into English and used to frame the domestic response within broader international criminal accountability mechanisms. Case studies of Iranian naval interventions in piracy incidents over the last decade—especially the rescue of foreign vessels—are critically examined.   Findings : Iran’s navy has played a pivotal role in securing major sea lanes and protecting Iranian and foreign commercial vessels. Despite Iran’s non-ratification of UNCLOS, its practical compliance with international norms—including principles of universal jurisdiction and hot pursuit—demonstrates its functional alignment with international obligations. However, challenges remain in domestic law, including the absence of specialized maritime criminal courts, limited procedural clarity regarding extradition and prosecution of foreign pirates, and insufficient institutional transparency. Nonetheless, the Iranian legal system provides certain unique tools, such as military judicial authority over transnational maritime offenses, which enhance responsiveness . Conclusion : Iran’s strategic naval actions contribute significantly to regional anti-piracy operations, reinforcing its soft power and legitimacy in maritime governance. From the standpoint of international criminal law, these actions, when paired with reforms in legal codification and international cooperation, can enhance Iran’s role as a responsible maritime actor. The study recommends updating domestic criminal codes to explicitly criminalize piracy in accordance with international law, establishing maritime judicial training, and expanding bilateral treaties to facilitate extradition and mutual legal assistance .

Background and Theoretical Foundations : The Caspian Sea region underwent a fundamental geopolitical transformation following the collapse of the Soviet Union, leading to the emergence of new littoral states: Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. This shift reconfigured the regional strategic landscape, presenting Iran with a complex mix of new opportunities and security challenges. The increased presence and competition of regional and extra-regional powers further underscored the necessity for Iran to consolidate and enhance its national power in this vital area. This research is grounded in the theoretical understanding that national power is a multifaceted construct, and its sustainable enhancement in a strategic region like the Caspian is essential for safeguarding national security interests. Methodology : This study employed a descriptive-analytical approach. The research process began with an extensive review of theoretical literature and an environmental assessment of the Caspian Sea littoral states to identify relevant geopolitical factors. Subsequently, an analytical model was developed to frame the investigation. Data collection was conducted through a researcher-designed questionnaire, distributed comprehensively to a statistical population of 80 experts and specialists in fields related to geopolitics, security, and Caspian Sea studies. The gathered data were then analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques and methods to process the expert opinions and evaluate the research questions systematically. Findings : The analysis of the data revealed that the factors influencing the continuous enhancement of Iran's national power in the Caspian Sea, with a focus on national security, are comprehensive and span five key domains: Human, Military, Economic, Political, and Natural. From these broad domains, a total of 27 specific and impactful geopolitical indicators were identified and extracted. These indicators provide a detailed map of the critical elements, from human capital and military preparedness to economic integration, diplomatic leverage, and the utilization of natural resources, that collectively determine Iran's strategic position and security posture in the Caspian region. Conclusion : In conclusion, the sustainable strengthening of Iran's national power in the Caspian Sea is not contingent upon a single factor but requires an integrated and balanced strategy across all five identified domains. The 27 geopolitical indicators serve as a crucial framework for policymakers. Addressing these indicators in a coherent manner is essential for formulating effective policies and strategies. Ultimately, a continuous and multidimensional enhancement of national power based on this framework is fundamental to promoting and ensuring the national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the strategically vital Caspian Sea region.