Evaluation of the Values Derived from the Islamic Republic of Iran's Presence in the Antarctic with a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach

Iran's presence in the Antarctic is important from various scientific, strategic, political, and economic dimensions. However, due to the lack of transparency regarding the benefits of being present in this region, it has not been seriously pursued. Additionally, the potential of the entire Antarctic continent is not currently accessible to Iran, and it is necessary to determine the importance and priority of these advantages for Iran. literature reviews indicate that this subject has received little attention from researchers. This research aims to identify and prioritize the values obtained from Iran's presence and establishing a base in the Antarctic.

The present research is an applied research in terms of its purpose. From the data type and solution method perspective, it is quantitative and falls within the realm of multi-criteria decision-making. To determine the importance of the desired values, the fuzzy best-worst method was employed.

Based on the results obtained from data analysis, non-extractive consumable values, non-extractive consumable values, and extractive consumable values are the most important values derived from Iran's presence in the Antarctic, respectively.

scientific research, satellite monitoring, and increased military presence currently hold the greatest value for Iran. Establishing a permanent base in this region increases Iran's strategic depth, and frequent travel between the Antarctic and Iran's coasts leads to greater Iranian presence in crucial oceans, positively impacting global commodity and energy trade and commercial security. This combination transforms Iran from a regional power into an international power.