Nournews: Iran’s presence at the 8th Conference of Indian Ocean Rim Countries (IOC) in Oman is a great opportunity to explain the strategic importance of Iran in regional and international equations. The meeting, organized with the slogan “Towards the New Horizons of Marine Partnerships,” is a platform for the expansion of economic and security collaboration among regional countries. Iran, as a country with a 5800 km coastline, is considered one of the main players in the field, and recent policymaking in line with sea-based economic expansion has added to its significance.
Sea-based economy: Coastlines of Makran and transit opportunities
The coastlines of Makran, whose natural and economic potentials had been ignored in the past, are now one of the main priorities of national development. The expansion of this region not only has significant economic advantages for Iran but also can pave the way to create a network for regional cooperation, through which the rim countries of the Indian Ocean can be connected. The presence of transit corridors like “South-North” and “One Road, One Belt” has increased Iran’s capacities in sea transit and turned it into a regional hub in global trade. The mixed land, rail, and marine transit can complement the regional trade routes and serve the convergence of a sustainable economy.
Maritime security: Iran’s pivotal role in regional equations
Thanks to its strategic position, the Indian Ocean connects four continents and plays a key role in the global economy. The presence of strategic straits such as Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and Malacca has turned the region into a sensitive area for international trade and global security. The Islamic Republic of Iran, holding one of the most powerful maritime fleets in the region, plays a prominent role in ensuring the security of international waterways. Unlike the Western approach, which exploits maritime power to exert pressure and create crises, Iran, by adopting an interactive and defensive policy, has taken steps to ensure sustainable security in the region. The successful presence of Iran’s naval forces in international drills and anti-piracy operations have proven Iran’s position as a powerful maritime power.
The necessity of countering Western unilateralism and the new world order
Considering the significant impact of maritime traffic in the region and the valuable capacity it has in the economic development of regional countries, new operations to create security and order are required, in addition to interactions and cooperation among the rim countries of the Indian Ocean. The regional countries must accept new responsibilities based on economic and security convergence. Iran, with decades of experience in preserving the Persian Gulf waterway and the Sea of Oman, can play a significant role in creating this new order. The Hormuz Strait Peace Initiative is an example of Iran’s interactive approach that can become an influential model for other countries in the region.
Iran and new maritime cooperation horizons
Iran’s participation in the IOC is an opportunity for expanding economic and security cooperation in the Indian Ocean. The new policymaking in the field of sea-based economy, the development of the Makran coasts, and Iran's role in regional transit have stabilized Iran’s stance as an influential power. Iran has presented a successful model for securing sustainable security with reliance on indigenous capabilities and an interactive approach. The convergence of regional countries can lead to the formation of a new maritime order that can secure the common interests of regional nations. Iran, with its experience and capabilities, can be one of the main pillars of this strategic development.
NOURNEWS