From Geopolitical Isolation to Geo-Economic Connectivity: Iran's Maritime Strategy and the Necessity of Strategic Transition

Abstract

Despite its strategic position at the crossroads of the Persian Gulf, the Caspian Sea, the Indian Ocean and Central Asia, Iran remains significantly excluded from major regional trade corridors, energy networks and port connectivity frameworks. This study argues the structural causes of Iran's geopolitical isolation and proposes a strategic transition towards geo-economic connectivity. Drawing on comparative geo-economic analysis, the research integrates macroeconomic trajectories, Liner Shipping Connectivity Index data, port performance metrics and critical discourse analysis. It also evaluates China's historical policy shift as a comparative framework. The findings reveal a stark divergence between Iran and its regional neighbours. Whereas the United Arab Emirates has leveraged a port-centric geo-economic model to achieve sustained maritime connectivity and economic growth, Iran's ideologically driven foreign policy has fostered structural isolation, declining global economic share and heightened vulnerability to sanctions. Quantitative indicators confirm that Iran's maritime connectivity lags significantly behind regional benchmarks, reflecting broader governance deficiencies rather than geographic limitations. Geopolitical fear discourses further legitimise international exclusion and deter foreign investment. The study demonstrates that physical infrastructure alone cannot overcome these barriers without coherent policy reforms. To transform geographic potential into tangible influence, Iran must prioritise maritime development along the Makran coast and Chabahar Port. By shifting from ideological confrontation to pragmatic geo-economic statecraft, Iran can rebuild regional trust, integrate into transnational logistics networks and secure its position as a vital Eurasian transit hub. This strategic reorientation offers a viable pathway to sustainable national development and regional integration.