Iran Seeks Sovereignty Over Strait of Hormuz Amid U.S. Proposal

Iran has demanded sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz in response to a U.S. proposal to end the conflict, according to Iranian state media. The strait, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, is a critical point where the exclusive economic zones of both countries meet. Its narrowness makes it easier for Iran to potentially target ships, as vessels have limited space to maneuver and insufficient time to issue alerts to avoid threats. According to Odaily, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a nation has sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage marine resources within its exclusive economic zone. However, the convention also states that ships from all nations, whether coastal or landlocked, have the right of innocent passage through territorial seas. Coastal states should not impede the normal passage of foreign ships through their territorial waters, except in specific and clearly defined circumstances. Coastal states may take necessary measures within their territorial seas to prevent non-innocent passage.