Call for Regional Agreement to Secure Strait of Hormuz

Following a ceasefire announcement by US President Donald Trump, Iran has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commercial traffic, provided vessels coordinate with its authorities. This development offers relief to global energy markets but underscores the urgent need for a durable, legally grounded regional governance framework. The article argues that existing international legal instruments, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, already provide a robust foundation for such an agreement. It highlights that the mandatory Traffic Separation Scheme in the strait lies within Omani territorial waters, meaning Iran lacks jurisdiction to impede transit there. Consequently, the author asserts that neither Iran nor any other state has a legal right to close the strait. The piece emphasizes that Iran and its Arab neighbors share a critical stake in maintaining this waterway for economic survival and must collaborate to restore international confidence. By adhering to established maritime laws and treaties, regional powers can ensure free passage and prevent future conflicts, moving beyond temporary ceasefires toward long-term stability rooted in customary international law.