Latest news with #maritimeSecurity
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Navigating the Strait of Hormuz: Can Iran say no? — Mohd Hazmi Mohd Rusli
JUNE 26 — The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint that links the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and beyond to the high seas. It borders two coastal states, Iran and Oman. An estimated 20 percent of the world's crude oil supply is transported through this narrow waterway daily. It is therefore unsurprising that the Strait has become the focus of global geopolitical tensions. A key question that continues to arise is whether Iran may legally close the Strait of Hormuz to foreign vessels, particularly in times of heightened regional conflict. Transit passage and the law of the sea Under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Strait of Hormuz is classified as a strait used for international navigation. As such, it is subject to the regime of transit passage under Articles 38 and 44 of the Convention. This regime grants all ships and aircraft, including warships, the right to transit continuously and expeditiously through the strait without requiring prior authorisation from the coastal states, provided that passage does not threaten their peace or security. Most importantly, this right of transit passage may not be suspended even during times of conflict. This is clearly stated in Article 44 of UNCLOS. This matter does not apply to Iran alone, but also applies to countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia which possess sovereignty and sovereign rights over the Strait of Malacca, and Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore which possess sovereignty over the Strait of Singapore. These littora States also cannot unilaterally close these straits to international navigation, as the Straits of Malacca and Singapore are subjected to the same principle. A map showing the Strait of Hormuz and Iran is seen behind a 3D printed oil pipeline in this illustration taken June 22, 2025. — Reuters pic Iran and UNCLOS Although both Iran and Oman are coastal states bordering the Strait of Hormuz, only Oman is a party to UNCLOS. Iran has not ratified the Convention. Nevertheless, the principle of transit passage is widely recognised as part of customary international law. This means that Iran remains bound by this principle, despite not being a State-member to UNCLOS. When can Iran lawfully act Iran may only restrict navigation through the Strait of Hormuz if it is engaged in a legally recognised international armed conflict, for example, if it is officially at war. In such circumstances, international humanitarian law applies. This permits coastal states to take defensive military actions against enemy vessels, including interception. However, these actions must not be directed at vessels belonging to neutral states. As of now, Iran has not officially declared war against any country, although military tensions have escalated involving Israel and United States military bases in Qatar. Any unilateral move by Iran to close the Strait would be a violation of international law and could provoke military retaliation or economic sanctions from major world powers. Conclusion From the standpoint of international law, Iran does not possess the absolute right to unilaterally close the Strait of Hormuz to foreign shipping. Such action would not only breach the legal framework governing transit passage but could also threaten global maritime security and regional stability. Ultimately, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is not merely a legal issue. It highlights the ongoing intersection between sovereignty, geopolitics and the law of the sea that continues to shape global affairs today. Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Hazmi Mohd Rusli is the Head Researcher at the International Law Unit, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia and a Research Fellow at the Asian Institute of International Affairs and Diplomacy, Universiti Utara Malaysia. *Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Hazmi Mohd Rusli is the Head Researcher at the International Law Unit, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia and a Research Fellow at the Asian Institute of International Affairs and Diplomacy, Universiti Utara Malaysia. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
PCFC, DP World, and Sharjah Maritime Academy launch "SANAD" programme to develop Emirati maritime security talent
The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and DP World have signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA) to launch 'Sanad', a new training programme aimed at developing young Emirati maritime security professionals. Delivered over 12-14 months, the programme will equip Emirati professionals with advanced skills in security strategy and risk management, with a focus on ports and maritime transport through a comprehensive blend of academic study and hands-on experience. Under the three-year agreement, the partners will also collaborate on maritime education, research, and training initiatives that respond to market demands and align with the UAE's national priorities. Maritime security is a key focus, given its vital role in protecting the country's economic and strategic interests — from safeguarding critical infrastructure and trade routes to ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods through the UAE's ports. H.E. Nasser Abdulla Al Neyadi, CEO of PCFC and Group Chief Security Officer at DP World, said: "This cooperation reflects our commitment to empowering national talent and enhancing security capabilities in key economic sectors. It aligns with Dubai's strategic goals under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), reinforcing its position as a global centre for trade and logistics through sustainable growth and competitive advantage'. PCFC and DP World will be responsible for identifying training needs and nominating participants, while Sharjah Maritime Academy will deliver the programme, provide expert instructors, and award accredited certifications. Dr. Hashim Al Zaabi, Director of the Sharjah Maritime Academy, said: "This agreement represents a model of academic and strategic integration, supporting the UAE's vision to develop human capital and promote national leadership in maritime security and education. It is a testament to our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the industry while strengthening the country's role on both regional and international levels'. The Academy's state-of-the-art laboratories, simulation rooms, and training facilities designed to prepare students for real-world maritime challenges, including diverse weather and security conditions. These are essential to equipping future professionals with skills aligned to national strategic objectives, Al Neyadi added.
The National
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
IMO urges ships to check Strait of Hormuz security measures
The International Maritime Organisation has said there were no indications of any increased threat to shipping in the Arabian Gulf, despite Iranian calls for international measures to prevent escalation in the Strait of Hormuz. Fears over a move to close the waterway after Israel's targeting of Iran's nuclear infrastructure are rising. Closure of the strait would disrupt global supply chains, as a fifth of global oil shipments pass through the channel that connects the Gulf to the Arabian Sea. Speaking at the IMO's annual safety meeting on Wednesday, secretary Arsenio Dominguez said no signs of closure or disruption had appeared yet. 'We're not at that stage,' he said, answering a question from The National. Mr Dominguez urged shipping companies to carry out security assessments before attempting to cross the strait. 'You need to carry out the security assessment and then make the decision whether it is appropriate and it is safe for the vessel to transit,' he said. Seyed Ali Mousavi, Iranian representative to the IMO – and also ambassador to the UK – warned in the morning session that increasing danger for ships was becoming apparent, after accusing Israel of attacking an oil refinery and gas field on the coast of Asalouyeh. 'These actions directly endanger international maritime security and the global energy supply chain,' he said. "If the international community fails to take urgent and concrete measures to halt this unlawful aggression, the risk of escalation at sea becomes imminent." The IMO's position is there no sign of a crisis point as yet. 'There's no indication that ships [or] seafarers are being targeted or any expected disruption right now in the region when it comes to maritime trade,' Mr Dominguez said. Mr Mousavi said the IMO was 'mandated to protect' Iran from attacks on its port and maritime infrastructure and criticised Israel for attacks on Iranian oil tankers and ports he said had been taking place since 2019. 'These hybrid threats – combining physical and cyber aggression – represent a multifaceted assault on maritime safety, port security and the freedom of navigation, which this organisation is mandated to protect,' he said. Iranian state TV told the world to brace itself for a major attack, reporting on Wednesday that "tonight, a great surprise will occur – one that the world will remember for centuries". Israel and India also made statements about the war in their addresses to the convention. Mr Dominguez said addressing the conflict was not within the agency's remit, but that it was equipped to act in the event of a 'negative impact' on shipping, as it did during the Red Sea crisis, when the Iran-backed Yemeni militia the Houthis targeted commercial ships crossing the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in response to Israel's war in Gaza, notably when it negotiated the release of the crew of the stricken MV Galaxy Leader last year. 'There's no room for IMO or specific role for IMO to come in at this stage. If things evolve, I will be the first one to start speaking to the countries,' he said. 'I demonstrated clearly, when the ships were targeted in the Red Sea, that's when I spent considerable amount of time in actually talking to the countries, bringing the parties together to address the negative impact that this situation was having on shipping, seafarers, the environment, ships and the economy." Oman – a member state of the agency - served as an intermediary for the Houthis. 'Oman was a country that helped me greatly,' Mr Dominguez said. The Houthis entered a ceasefire agreement with the US in May after an aggressive military campaign. The latest statements Mr Dominguez received from the group since the dea, which they also sent to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, featured 'no indication of targeting ships'. Mr Dominguez addressed the dis r uption to commercial cargoes in the Red Sea. 'The way that trade starts to flow back into the Red Sea is not something that will happen overnight,' he said. 'But we have seen an increase already on trade going through the Red Sea and the Suez.'
Reuters
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Iran and Israel trade accusations at UN shipping agency over sea lanes
LONDON, June 18 (Reuters) - Iran and Israel accused each other of endangering commercial activity in sea lanes around the Gulf and the Red Sea at the UN's shipping agency on Wednesday, as their military conflict escalated. Iran's delegation told a session of the International Maritime Organization's security committee that Israel had in recent days extended its "unlawful attacks" to include petrochemical and gas infrastructure in Asalouyeh along Iran's Gulf coast. "These actions directly endanger international maritime security and the global energy supply chain," Iran said in a statement to IMO delegates, which was livestreamed. "If the international community fails to take urgent and concrete measures to halt this unlawful aggression, the risk of escalation at sea becomes imminent." Iran has previously threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz to traffic in retaliation for Western pressure. Any closure of the strait could restrict trade and affect global oil prices. Commercial ships are being advised by maritime agencies to avoid Iran's waters around Hormuz, shipping sources said on Wednesday. Former Iranian Economy Minister Ehsan Khandouzi has said that tankers and liquified natural gas cargoes should only transit the Strait of Hormuz with Iranian permission. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected Donald Trump's demand for unconditional surrender on Wednesday, and the U.S. president said his patience had run out, though he gave no clue as to what his next step would be. Israel's mission told delegates the IMO's foundational principle of global maritime navigation safety was being "openly and aggressively threatened" by Iran, partly through support of Yemen's Houthi militia, whose attacks have severely disrupted shipping through the Suez Canal and Red Sea in recent years. "Iran has turned our whole region and the Red Sea specifically into a war zone. Through its political, financial and military backing of the Houthi rebels, Iran has enabled a campaign of maritime terrorism against civilian vessels," Israel said. "It seeks to weaponize the world's busiest sea lanes, hold international shipping hostage, and impose its will through violence." The London-based IMO is responsible for regulating the safety and security of international shipping and preventing pollution and comprises 176 member state countries. The statements from Israel and Iran on Wednesday were noted by the Maritime Safety Committee, an IMO spokesperson said. The agency has faced growing pressures that it was becoming politicised. In 2023 Russia said the IMO was departing from its technical role because of "external pressure", which was impacting the fair treatment of all member countries. Iran's offer to host a maritime event in 2023 was rejected after a proposal led by the United States to rescind the bid was approved in a vote.
Free Malaysia Today
17-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
UK maritime firm says incident east of UAE's Khor Fakkan not security-related
About a fifth of the world's total oil consumption passes through the Strait of Hormuz. (DVIDS/AFP pic) HEREFORD : British maritime security firm Ambrey said early on Tuesday the cause of an incident 22 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan in the UAE, near the Strait of Hormuz, was not security-related. It didn't provide any details about the incident. The event unfolded as tensions escalated between Israel and Iran, with both nations exchanging attacks for a fifth consecutive day following Israel's widescale strikes on Friday aimed at preventing Tehran from building an atomic weapon. The Strait of Hormuz lies between Oman and Iran and links the Gulf north of it with the Gulf of Oman to the south and the Arabian Sea beyond. About a fifth of the world's total oil consumption passes through the strait. Between the start of 2022 and last month, roughly 17.8 million to 20.8 million barrels of crude, condensate and fuels flowed through the strait daily, according to data from Vortexa. There was no immediate response to Reuters' request for comment from the Emirati foreign ministry or Khor Fakkan container terminal in the early hours of Tuesday.
