Iran: Maritime Measures below the Threshold of War

The option of operating in the naval theater allows improved deterrence and attack capability vis-à-vis Iran and makes it possible to impose crippling sanctions. And indeed, one of the options examined in recent years for dealing with Iran – ostensibly under the threshold of war – is a naval blockade that, inter alia, would prevent goods, including petroleum and petroleum products, from entering and leaving Iranian ports. The goal would be to persuade Iran to change its policy, with an emphasis on stopping its nuclear development. Supporters of these measures argue that such steps would be suf cient to cause critical damage to Iran and force it to change its policy, without the use of military force. This article will examine various aspects of maritime enforcement and prevention methods in the context of Iran, rst and foremost a naval blockade, for the purpose of stepping up pressure to thwart proliferation of non-conventional weapons. In addition, it will discuss the rami cations of these enforcement and prevention measures and the relevant alternatives available to the international community.