State Studies of Contemporary Iran

State Studies of Contemporary Iran

The Strategic Legal Status of the Strait of Hormuz in the Reconfiguration of the New Regional Order in West Asia

Document Type : Iran's foreign policy

Authors
1 Vali Shirpour, Assistant Professor, Law Department, Payam Noor University - Tehran: Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Law and Social Sciences, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran
3 University Lecturer, Department of Law and Political Science, Faculty of Law and Social Sciences, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
This research was conducted with the aim of elucidating the position of the Strait of Hormuz within the reconfiguration of the new regional order in West Asia, placing special emphasis on the legal and strategic dimensions of the Islamic Republic of Iran's strategy. In terms of purpose, the research is applied, and in terms of methodology, it is descriptive-analytical. In the legal importance of the Strait of Hormuz, energy law as an emerging legal regime, with an emphasis on security of supply and avoiding disruption of energy flows, It paves the way for diplomatic bargaining and the discursive construction of power for Iran. The rule of international responsibility of states (draft articles of the 2001 ILC) allows Iran to invoke self-defense and countermeasures, to portray its actions in the Strait of Hormuz as legitimate. The Strait of Hormuz is not merely a maritime passage with geoeconomic and security functions; rather, it is a multidimensional lever (geopolitical, security, economic, and legal) It is considered a tool in the hands of the Islamic Republic of Iran for redefining the balance of power, strengthening deterrence, and consolidating its position within the new regional order of West Asia. This research, with an integrated approach of critical geopolitics, regional security, and international law, It has helped address the analytical gap in previous studies, which primarily focused on military or economic dimensions.
Keywords

  • Receive Date 18 July 2026
  • Revise Date 18 September 2026
  • Accept Date 18 September 2026
  • Publish Date 27 September 2026