Explaining the reasons for the importance of Persian Gulf and Hormoz strait in the security of I.R.I

The Persian Gulf is a Geopolitical region which has been of great importance since the ancient. Too many oil-rich countries, the tense situation and internal weakness of states, their dependence on foreign countries, its geopolitical proximity with India, major distinction in the political – economic structure all make this region different from other geopolitical regions in the world. Persian Gulf has become the focus of attention of great powers of the world since oil was produced and because of political changes. Strategic location of Iran in the Middle East, different crisis and political instability in neighboring countries give rise to security threats. USA is the main trans regional threat which has influence on this strategic region and states. By using AHP method and comparing geographical criteria, this article tries to show the importance of Persian Gulf and Hormoz strait for the security of Iran and USA and to illuminate the reasons for its importance according to being massive oil and gas reserves, oil market, and role of cultural ideological considerations.