Examining the Principle of Equity in the Delimitation of the Continental Shelf with Emphasis on the Jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice: Proposing a Hybrid Model for Dispute Resolution in the Persian Gulf
Keywords:
continental shelf, Persian Gulf, law of the sea, International Court of Justice, dispute settlement, 1958 and 1982 ConventionsAbstract
Continental shelf disputes in the Persian Gulf, due to its strategic position and rich subsoil resources, represent one of the key challenges in the field of the law of the sea, the resolution of which requires an innovative approach that transcends traditional frameworks. This article focuses on redefining the principle of equity in the delimitation of the continental shelf and proposes a hybrid model that integrates quantitative criteria (such as geophysical data and coastline lengths) and qualitative elements (such as economic needs and geopolitical conditions), inspired by the jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice. The study first analyzes key ICJ cases, including the North Sea Continental Shelf cases (1969), Tunisia v. Libya (1982), and Nicaragua v. Colombia (2012), and extracts implicit equity standards. Then, by aligning these criteria with the specific characteristics of the Persian Gulf, it presents an operationalized model that can be implemented through a regional institution under international supervision. The findings indicate that this model can not only provide a sustainable solution for disputes such as the Arash Field conflict, but also promote regional cooperation and reduce geopolitical tensions, offering a replicable framework for other maritime regions globally.
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