At the Outset, I wish to sincerely welcome the honourable guests and distinguished researchers who have gathered here in Tehran to participate in the 17 th International Conference on the Persian Gulf. I earnestly hope that our conference which is being held this year under the theme of the "Security of the Persian Gulf from the Viewpoint of International Law" will provide a good opportunity for exchange of constructive and fruitful ideas and views among the prominent scholars and researchers present in this learned gathering. Fortunately, the series of international conferences on the Persian Gulf organized every year by my colleagues in the Institute for Political and International Studies have been well received by scholars and researchers in this field. This important political event has provided conducive theoretical foundations for dialogue and exchange of views among researchers and scholars in this research field.