"Iran's Geopolitical and Spatial Strategies for the Development of a Sea-Based Economy: Lessons from Developed Countries"

Abstract
The maritime economy, owing to its increasing role in global trade, energy security, environmental sustainability, and the development of new technologies, has become a key pillar of sustainable development in the 21st century. Iran, possessing over 2700 kilometers of coastline and a strategic geopolitical position in the Strait of Hormuz, the Sea of Oman, and the Caspian Sea, holds significant potential for expanding its maritime-based economy. However, challenges such as weak infrastructure, the lack of integrated governance, international sanctions, and inefficient spatial planning have limited the effective utilization of this potential.
The objective of this research is a comparative analysis of the geopolitical strategies and spatial planning of five developed countries (United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and Canada) and the presentation of localized strategies for developing Iran's maritime economy. The research methodology is descriptive-analytical, utilizing library resources, international documents, and political reports.
The results indicate that six key strategies – namely, integrated spatial governance, Makran industrial-ecological clusters, offshore hybrid power plants, a smart maritime command system, a southeastern port corridor, and multilateral maritime diplomacy – are adaptable to Iran's institutional and geographical structure. These strategies can increase the share of the maritime-based economy in the country's GDP and enhance Iran's geopolitical standing.