Holy Defense Studies

Study and analysis of the role of the strategic navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army during the Holy Defense era

Document Type : Research/Original/Regular Article

Authors

Amir Nezan Barati 1
alireza alipour 2

1 Assistant Professor of Law, Department of Law, Imam Khomeini Maritime Science University, Mazandaran, Iran

2 دانشیار مدیریت آموزشی دریایی، دانشگاه علوم دریایی امام خمینی، دانشکده کمیسر دریایی.

Abstract
During the eight-year Iran-Iraq War, the Strategic Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army (IRIN) played a critical and strategic role in securing maritime routes, protecting the country’s economic lifelines, countering enemy naval forces, and asserting national sovereignty. This study, using a descriptive-analytical approach and based on both field and documentary sources, examines the IRIN’s performance during the war and analyzes its tactical, logistical, intelligence, and psychological dimensions. The findings reveal that the IRIN, through operations such as Morvarid, the escorting of oil tankers, and defense of key islands in the Persian Gulf, dealt severe blows to the Iraqi Navy and maintained the continuity of Iran’s energy exports. Moreover, the commitment of naval personnel, inter-force coordination, and operational initiative were among the key factors contributing to its success. This paper evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the IRIN and concludes that its performance during the war laid the groundwork for Iran’s naval doctrine and serves as a model for safeguarding national interests in the maritime domain.

Keywords

Strategic Navy
Iran-Iraq War
Morvarid Operation
Maritime Security
Islamic Republic of Iran
Subjects

Home

Guide for Authors

Submit Manuscript

Reviewers

Contact Us