The Soviet Union and Iran strategic implications for the United States Navy

Abstract

This thesis examines the nature and the scope of Soviet relations with Iran with particular emphasis on the Iranian Revolution of 1978-79 and the Iranian-Iraqi War which, as of this writing is still in progress. The analysis focuses on l) The importance of Iran to Soviet decision makers in terms of the U.S.S.R. 's security, ideological, cultural and economic goals in Southwest Asia; 2) The factors which act to constrain Soviet foreign policy in Iran and the Persian Gulf region and; 3) The strategic implications of Soviet policy in Iran for the United States Navy and U.S. national security. This analysis concludes that a superpower confrontation in Iran, although unlikely by design, is distinctly possible due to the volatile nature of Iran and the problems that beset the states of Southwest Asia.