Freedom of Navigation and International Maritime Law
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1982) governs the rights and responsibilities of states with respect to ocean use. The concept of "freedom of the high seas" (Articles 87–115) allows all ships of all states to sail in international waters without restriction.
- UNCLOS: Adopted 1982, entered into force 1994; often called the "Constitution of the Oceans"
- High seas (beyond 200 nautical miles from any coast) are open to all states — no sovereign rights
- Ships in international waters are subject only to the jurisdiction of their flag state (Iran, in this case)
- Attacking a warship in international waters outside armed conflict is an act of war under international law
- The US-Iran conflict exists in a legal grey zone: the US conducted strikes on Iran as part of supporting Israel's campaign, but no formal declaration of war was made
- UNCLOS does not explicitly govern inter-state military conflict — that falls under international humanitarian law and UN Charter Chapter VII
● Tracked since March 05, 2026 · last seen June 20, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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13 Mar '26
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13 Mar '26
Tracking ship attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf: Timeline
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