IRAN'S CHALLENGE TO THE U.S. IN THE MARITIME DOMAIN

This thesis examines how Iran attempts to challenge the United States in the maritime domain. Iranian strategic thinking is discussed to better understand their views on self-reliance and national defense. The thesis then defines asymmetric naval warfare and how the strategy aims to counter perceived threats. Historical background is provided to understand how Iran's naval force developed. The shift in Iran's approach to the maritime domain, from conventional sea power to asymmetric naval warfare, is explained in reference to the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The Tanker War is used to demonstrate Iran's first application of asymmetric warfare in the maritime domain. An examination of Iran's current assets among its naval forces, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy (IRGCN) and the Islamic Republic of Iran's Navy (IRIN), seeks to understand how Iran has evolved in the maritime domain. The IRGCN is examined in relation to its primary objective of Persian Gulf defense. The IRIN is examined in relation to its "blue-water" naval capability and use in cultivating partnerships. The research indicates Iran can credibly impact U.S. naval operations in the Persian Gulf and achieve security objectives within the maritime domain through the use of its current asymmetric naval threats. Iran's naval forces reinforce the Islamic Republic's ambitions for regional hegemony and provide an opportunity for future influence beyond the Persian Gulf.Lieutenant, United States NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited