Geopolitics Quarterly (17354331)18(67)pp. 228-255
Introduction Iran and its sub-region, namely the Persian Gulf, are geopolitically at the east-west crossroads and the intersection of Heartland and Rimland regions, and in the new geo-economics territories are also at the center of the energy strategy ellipse which is among the three areas of energy consumption centers, namely Europe, China and India. But despite having these resources and a superior position, the Iranian government in recent decades has not been able to use this privileged transit position for economic development and regional cooperation. Therefore, the present study aims to show how the geopolitical and geo-economics transit of oil and gas in the Persian Gulf can affect advancing regional policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Methodology Explaining the geopolitical and geo-economics position of energy transit in the Persian Gulf can be examined by the Hartland-Mackinder approach and the geo-economics perspective of Edward Luttwak. Edward Luttwack also believes that in the age of geo-economics, the means and causes of the conflicts of the present century (21st century) become economic in nature and economic tools replace military purposes. In this transition, energy is the most important element in the geo-economics competition, so that geostrategic domains are determined based on energy logic. Results and Discussion Examining the potential of Persian Gulf energy transit to consumption areas shows that in the Indian subcontinent, cooperation in the field of energy can create mutual benefits in other areas, including the expansion of the south-north corridor, the development of Chabahar, and transportation between the two sides. In the Central Asian region, the energy transit of landlocked countries through Iran creates a sense of commitment of these countries to Iran and, an atmosphere of cooperation in other areas including the development of the south-north corridor. Iran will also contribute to the country's energy security through the potential of the peace pipeline and the possibility of connecting it to China, as well as the ability to connect two important energy fields in the Persian Gulf and Central Asia and participate in strengthening Central Asian transmission lines of energy to China. Regarding Iran-Europe relations, in case of de-escalation of tensions and establishment of regular relations between the two sides, the ground for expansion of economic and political cooperation, including energy transit and regional security, should be provided. Conclusions Research findings show that the connection between the Persian Gulf energy transit corridors and the surrounding important consumer areas will link the fate of energy and economic security of these countries to the fate of Iran. This will create strategic partners in the field of energy transit, upgrade the regional position, increase the coefficient of economic development and consequently increase the level of national security of Iran. © 2022, Iranian Association of Geopolitics. All rights reserved.
