Environmental Threats and Persian Gulf Security

Given its huge oil and gas resources and environmental characteristics, the Persian Gulf is one of the most strategically important regions of the world, though at the same time it is exposed to excessive pollution and devastation, too. Considering various reasons for the region's environmental devastation, this paper deals with the impact of wars, warship navigation, expansion of oil fields and construction of artificial islands on human security in the coastal states. Another part of the paper addresses the principles of public international law and opinions of the International Court of Justice concerning international responsibility of states for any damage to the environment. On this basis, the author proposes certain solutions entitled environmental diplomacy among the coastal and other states for the protection of natural resources of the Persian Gulf and human security of regional populations.