Iran's Challenge to the U.S. in the Maritime Domain
Abstract
This thesis examines how Iran attempts to challenge the United States in the maritime domain. Iranian strategic thinking is discussed to better understand their views on self-reliance and national defense. The thesis then defines asymmetric naval warfare and how the strategy aims to counter perceived threats. Historical background is provided to understand how Irans naval force developed. The shift in Irans approach to the maritime domain, from conventional sea power to asymmetric naval warfare, is explained in reference to the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The Tanker War is used to demonstrate Irans first application of asymmetric warfare in the maritime domain. An examination of Irans current assets among its naval forces, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy (IRGCN) and the Islamic Republic of Irans Navy (IRIN), seeks to understand how Iran has evolved in the maritime domain. The IRGCN is examined in relation to its primary objective of Persian Gulf defense. The IRIN is examined in relation to its blue-water naval capability and use in cultivating partnerships. The research indicates Iran can crediblyimpact U.S. naval operations in the Persian Gulf and achieve security objectives within the maritime domain through the use of its current asymmetric naval threats. Irans naval forces reinforce the Islamic Republics ambitions for regional hegemony and provide an opportunity for future influence beyond the Persian Gulf.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1164412
Entities
People
- Jacob D Ostrom
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School