Iran demands sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz

CryptoWorld News reports that Iranian official media state that, as the latest response to the U.S. proposal to end the war, Iran demands sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is located between Iran and Oman, where the exclusive economic zones of both countries intersect. The narrow waterway makes it easier for Iran to attack ships, as vessels lack sufficient space for maneuvering and do not have enough time to send warnings to avoid threats. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a country has “sovereign rights” to explore, exploit, protect, and manage marine resources within its exclusive economic zone. However, all ships, whether from coastal or landlocked countries, have the right of innocent passage through territorial waters. The convention states that coastal states should not hinder the normal passage of foreign ships through territorial waters, but this is limited to specific, clearly defined circumstances. Coastal states may take necessary measures within their territorial waters to prevent unlawful passage.