الاهمية الجيوبولتيكية لمضيق هرمز بعد حرب اثنا عشر يوم

Abstract

The research problem is represented by the regional and international competition over the Strait of Hormuz, particularly after the Twelve-Day War. The Strait of Hormuz occupies a distinctive geographical position and possesses great strategic importance, which has made it a focal point of regional and international conflict and competition. It is considered the only maritime gateway for the Arab Gulf states and one of the most important international variables influencing the international system and global interactions. The study demonstrates the importance of the geographical location of the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a link among the three continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Therefore, this maritime passage, often described as a “chokepoint,” has acquired greater geopolitical significance after the Twelve-Day War. It has emerged as one of the most important strategic chokepoints in the world, not only from the perspective of international trade, but also in terms of regional and international security balances. The spatial sensitivity of the Strait demonstrates that it is not merely a maritime passage for oil transportation, but rather a global geopolitical axis where economic, military, and political interests intersect and compete. Several major economic projects have also been initiated in order to develop maritime and land transportation networks, including the New Silk Road and the NEOM Project. The Chinese Silk Road Initiative represents a large-scale, multidimensional project that is expected to have a significant impact on transportation in various fields. The study further reveals that, following the Twelve-Day War, the geopolitical importance of the Strait of Hormuz increased noticeably as a result of escalating regional and international conflicts. The Strait has become a geopolitical pressure tool used by the states overlooking it, particularly the Islamic Republic of Iran, during periods of crisis. This has led to increasing international attention to the Strait and has transformed it into a major focal point of regional and international competition. The study concludes that the Strait of Hormuz represents a strategic chokepoint, a vital artery, and an important geopolitical prize for the Arab Gulf states, through which they are connected to the world's seas and export oil to global markets. The Twelve-Day War also demonstrated a shift in the geopolitical balance of the Middle East toward an environment increasingly dependent on military deterrence. Consequently, the geopolitical balance in the region remains fragile and susceptible to change in the event of any new crisis.