Legal and Geopolitical Impacts of Regional and Global Actors on the Security of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait: Assessing Iran’s Maritime Diplomacy under the Law of the Sea

Background and Theoretical Foundations: The Bab al-Mandeb Strait constitutes one of the most strategically significant international waterways, serving as a vital maritime corridor linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. Its geopolitical sensitivity arises from the convergence of regional rivalries, global power competition, and the presence of non-state threats, all of which have transformed the Strait into a critical arena for maritime security governance. Under the international law of the sea—particularly the principles governing straits used for international navigation—state behavior in this region carries profound legal and strategic implications. For Iran, whose economy and energy exports rely heavily on secure maritime routes, developments in the Bab al-Mandeb directly affect national interests and influence the direction of its maritime diplomacy.Methodology: This research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, drawing upon international legal instruments, geopolitical analyses, security studies, and academic literature published between ۲۰۰۰ and ۲۰۲۴. By examining regional dynamics, the involvement of global naval powers, and the practices of coastal states, the study evaluates how these intertwined legal and geopolitical factors shape the Strait’s security environment. The research further analyzes Iran’s maritime diplomacy and strategic naval deployments within the framework of customary international law and UNCLOS principles.Findings: The analysis indicates that the Bab al-Mandeb Strait has become increasingly affected by multilayered geopolitical competition, including regional conflicts, great-power rivalry, and the activities of non-state actors. These conditions have amplified the vulnerability of maritime traffic and heightened the need for effective cooperative security mechanisms. Within this context, Iran’s maritime diplomacy—centered on legal compliance, anti-piracy operations, and bilateral cooperation with Red Sea littoral states—has contributed to safeguarding its sea lines of communication. Iran’s strategic naval presence in the northern Indian Ocean and near the Bab al-Mandeb has enhanced maritime security, strengthened its legal standing as a responsible maritime actor, and supported the stability of international navigation.Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the security of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait is deeply influenced by the legal and geopolitical behavior of regional and global actors. Iran’s reliance on maritime diplomacy and strategically justified naval presence constitutes an essential component of its broader security and foreign policy. While geopolitical tensions continue to challenge the stability of this critical chokepoint, Iran’s legally grounded maritime engagement provides opportunities for strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing navigational safety, and safeguarding national interests. Future research should explore multilateral legal frameworks and confidence-building measures that could reduce tensions and support sustainable security governance in international straits.

کلیدواژه ها:

Bab al-Mandeb Strait ، Maritime Security ، Geopolitical actors ، International Law of the Sea ، Iran ، Maritime Diplomacy ، Sea Lines of Communication