Next War: Iran

About this board game

Next War: Iran is a one- to two-player strategic conflict game with an approximately 480-minute play time, depicting an attempt to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Iran closes it to maritime traffic.

As the old regime teeters and Iran seeks recognition of its complete sovereignty, it strikes at the flow of oil on which the world depends. Iran mines the Strait of Hormuz and declares it closed, forcing the United States—and potentially some of its allies—to take action to restore access and get the oil flowing again.

Unlike the other games in the series, Next War: Iran places the Allied player on the offensive. The Allied side must attack and work toward reopening the straits, while the non-Allied player defends Iranian territory against what the scenario presents as neo-imperial oppression.

The campaign presents a difficult strategic problem. Allied forces face a long logistical tail, few true allies in the region, and the threat posed by Iran’s anti-access/area-denial (A2AD) capabilities. Together, these factors make any effort to restore the flow of oil a demanding undertaking.

• Players: 1–2
• Play time: approximately 480 minutes
• Scenario focus: reopening the Strait of Hormuz
• Key strategic challenges: logistics, limited regional allies, and Iranian A2AD capabilities

Set against the strategic importance of the Middle East and its ancient trade routes, the game explores a crisis centered on sovereignty, foreign intervention, and control of a vital oil passage. Next War: Iran is the sixth game in the Next War series and offers a distinctive reversal of the series’ usual offensive and defensive roles.