Perspectives on the Caspian Sea Dilemma: An Iranian Construct

Two Iranian political geographers outline the historical background and geopolitical setting in support of Iran's position in the ongoing dispute over delineation of the Caspian Sea and allocation of its subsea mineral resources. The paper notes Iran's unique geographic position in relation to the intensified international focus on petroleum exploration and exports. In an effort to identify a solution that may yield a legal regime acceptable to Iran and all post-Soviet littoral states, the authors advance a formula providing exclusive economic zones in coastal areas along the sea's margins and a condominium comprising the remaining water body and sea surface, underlain by a divided seabed and subsoil areas. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O18, Q30, Q40. 3 figures, 35 references.