Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:33:09-2:34:30

Strait disruption could serve Iran's rivalry with Saudi Arabia

The proposed strategic benefit of disrupting shipping is pressure on Saudi Arabia within a wider regional rivalry.

Commerce DisruptionIranian NavyMaritime TradeNaval StrategySaudi ArabiaStrait Of Hormuz
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Question

What could Iran gain by disrupting shipping through the strait?

Short answer

Timed disruption could pressure Saudi Arabia and amplify a regional rivalry whose effects extend into the eastern Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia.

Notes

The interpretation offered in 2020 places Iranian shipping disruption within a regional rivalry with Saudi Arabia. Pressure on maritime traffic at the right moment is treated as a possible way of gaining leverage. The rivalry is also connected with alignments extending towards Cyprus, Greece and Turkey and into parts of Africa and Asia. Neither state's usual description as a regional power is taken to limit the geographic reach of that competition. The Strait of Hormuz gives the maritime aspect wider importance.