The head of the United Nations’ maritime agency has asserted that no nation possesses the legal right to obstruct vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway currently impacted by the ongoing US-Iran conflict. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, emphasized that blocking access to this strait, especially following recent military actions by the US and Israel against Iran, would be unjustifiable.
Despite warnings from the United States about initiating a blockade of Iranian ports, Tehran has maintained military control over the region since the conflict began on February 28. Dominguez highlighted that international law protects the freedom of navigation in global waterways, stating, “No country can prohibit or obstruct this essential right.”
Currently, Iranian officials are scrutinizing vessels and permitting ships from allied nations to pass while imposing charges on others for entry. Dominguez warned that restricting access to international waterways contradicts established maritime law and could create a dangerous precedent. He also noted that while the US intends to blockade Iranian ports, the actual impact on shipping may be minimal, as only a limited number of vessels have been able to transit the area.
