Blue economy

In recent years, the international system has witnessed the dynamics ofcompetition between great powers over regional key Regions. In this context, theIndian Ocean appears as a strategic and vital region for the powers inside andoutside it, and any development in it affects the security of the region. Consideringthe need to establish security in the current situation where increasing competitionprevails in the Indian Ocean, analyzing and investigating the economicdevelopments of these countries is of great importance. The purpose of thisresearch, which has been carried out by using the descriptive-analytical methodand library sources, is to describe the concept of the Blue Economy and evaluateit in the countries of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council: Bahrain, Kuwait ,Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. It also explains thechallenges and opportunities they face in the Indian Ocean. The results of the studyof the water economy of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council countries indicatethe relative difference in the level of these countries to each other, so if thesecountries seek to achieve development and maximum use of resources andopportunities which the Indian Ocean has provided for them, they also have theintention of overcoming the challenges governing this ocean, and they should putspecial emphasis on the actions that lead to convergence

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.