Iran’s Interpretation of the Law of the Sea and Japan’s FOIP Strategy
Javad Heiran-Nia
Given Japan’s heavy reliance on maritime routes for foreign trade, its ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP) strategy is closely tied to the rule of law at sea, maritime security, and freedom of navigation. Furthermore, due to Japan’s dependence on energy supplies from the Persian Gulf and the critical importance of securing energy transit routes, this strategy also extends to the Persian Gulf region. In this context, Tokyo emphasizes the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its own Ocean Policy. Meanwhile, Iran, despite having signed UNCLOS, has not ratified it and implements its provisions selectively. Nevertheless, to achieve its maritime-based economic development goals, Iran requires an interpretation of the Law of the Sea that aligns with UNCLOS. This could create an overlap between Iran’s interpretation of maritime law and the principles pursued under Japan’s FOIP strategy.
Related Publications
-
Visegrad Four and India: Searching for collaboration agenda amid global geopolitical upheaval
India’s strategic vision for Europe has traditionally focused on the continent’s heavyweights, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. These states are long-standing partners in trade, defense, and multilateral forums, often […]
-
Safeguarding the Indo-Pacific Region: Insights from Australia on Maritime Security
Contextual Background In an era marked by rapid geopolitical transformation and unprecedented technological advances, maritime security in the Indo-Pacific has become a critical imperative for both national and regional stability. […]
-
The EU’s Response to Pahalgam: A Missed Opportunity
The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam was not just another act of violence—it was a chilling reminder of the brutal threats that still plague the Indian sub-continent. Yet, while many […]
-
India-Nordic Budding Dynamics: Sweden, a Vital Gateway?
The India-Nordic summits in 2018 and 2022 had the clearly outlined goal of the expanding strategic coordination between India and the Nordics. The spike in trade reflects a healthy economic […]
-
Fostering Order In The Indo-Pacific: What the EU Can Learn From and Do With Australia, India, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam
Executive Summary One of the most critical challenges of this century is fostering order in the Indo-Pacific. (Dis)order in this space will significantly affect the international order. Not only […]