RE: I think I'll go and watch some paint dry..........21 May 2026 14:33
I doubt we will see the Straits functioning as we knew it, granting free passage for a long time , if ever again. The Straits are not international waters.
They have never been considered international waters. Because the strait is only about 24 nautical miles (44 km) wide at its narrowest point, the 12-nautical-mile territorial waters of the two bordering countries, Iran and Oman, completely overlap.
Because the entire strait is technically under the sovereignty of Iran and Oman, it is governed by specific international maritime laws.
Transit Passage: Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), international waters do not exist in the strait, but foreign vessels (both commercial and military) are granted the right of "transit passage". Prior to war no permission required from Oman or Iran.
Disputed Frameworks: Iran is not a party to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Instead, Tehran claims that foreign vessels are only entitled to the less extensive "innocent passage", which can be restricted if Iran deems the vessel a threat to its security.
Obviously Iran now deems US vessels and those from Israel a threat.
Furthermore they are now charging extortionate fees to " safely navigate" the Straits. How safe maritime insurers perceive this to be I wouldn't want to hazard a guess.
Personally, I don't see Trump agreeing to the above scenario.. a precursor to peace. Even if he did , then costs have risen considerably, making domestic helium production much more attractive , albeit it more expensive then a year ago.