Evaluation of environmental policy in southern Iran (Persian Gulf region) based on Karl Deutsch regional theory of convergence

Currently, the Persian Gulf, as one of the most polluted aquatic ecosystems, is 47 times more polluted than the water of other seas in the world, and this has put the environment of this region in serious danger. In order to address this vital issue, the present article seeks to answer the question that based on Carl Dodge's theory of regional convergence and its indicators, how can Iran's environmental policies in the Persian Gulf be explained? In other words, this study will clarify to what extent Iran's environmental policies are aimed at strengthening convergence with other governments in the Persian Gulf region, and to what extent has the issue of regional convergence been considered by policymakers in environmental protection policies? The hypothesis of this research is that the concept of convergence is not a priority in the upstream documents and five-year development plans of the country, and this concept is not very important in the country's macro-policy.