International Law of the Sea
Warships in International Waters
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1982) — ratified by 168 states — governs the rights and obligations of states on the world's oceans. The sinking of IRIS Dena in international waters raises fundamental questions about the legal basis of such actions.
- Under UNCLOS, the "high seas" begin beyond 200 nautical miles from any coast (the Exclusive Economic Zone); in international waters, warships enjoy sovereign immunity.
- Article 17 of UNCLOS provides a right of innocent passage through territorial seas; however, warships in international waters are not subject to coastal state jurisdiction.
- The sinking of IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka's waters in international waters, absent a formal war declaration by the US Congress, triggered debate about presidential war powers and compliance with international law.
- The US justified the strike under its claimed authority to degrade Iranian military capabilities; critics argued it violates sovereign immunity principles for naval vessels.
● Tracked since March 06, 2026 · last seen July 01, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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