How the law of naval warfare applies to the Strait of Hormuz
In the law of naval warfare, the line between belligerents and neutrals is not always an easy one to draw.
In the law of naval warfare, the line between belligerents and neutrals is not always an easy one to draw.
The stretch of water borders the coastline of several Middle East countries, including Iran, and is vital for the global oil trade.
As Australia commits to joining a coalition in the Strait of Hormuz, preventing escalation of any conflict should be the primary concern of all players.
US President Donald Trump has threatened to “demolish” Iran if it doesn’t reopen the crucial shipping channel, but it’s not the most likely path to reopening.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important economic chokepoints, and it has just been closed off by the conflict in Iran.
Japan is one of the countries most affected by restrictions placed on one of the world’s most important choke points.
Saudi Arabia’s escalating conflict with the Houthis in Yemen will force its new defence partners Turkey and Pakistan to confront some difficult questions.
The ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran has done little so far to getting shipping through the vital waterway. It’s going to take more than just words to fix.
China stands to be impacted first, as the main buyer of Iran’s crude oil. But if the blockade drags on, its knock-on effects could impact the whole world.
The resumption of fighting, paired with the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, complicates regional strategy and energy policy for the Gulf powerhouse.