Implications of the Policies of Outside Powers on Persian Gulf Security

The history of the Persian Gulf over the past two centuries has been a history of great power rivalry. Known as the Great Game, this conflict between the British Empire and Russia played itself out always to the detriment of Iran (Persia). Although neither power ever succeeded in conquering Iran, in crucial strategic crises, they did manage to establish spheres of influence in the country. During the recent crisis provoked by the British Royal Navy`s violation of Iranian territorial waters, echoes of this historical conflict could be heard.