Naval warfare

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U.S. forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska on April 20, 2026, after firing upon the Iranian-flagged vessel that the U.S. accused of attempting to violate the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz.

Blockade and Article 2(4) of the UN Charter

"The U.S. military’s enforcement of the ongoing naval blockade of Iran may have now resulted in fresh violations of the U.N. Charter against four entirely different countries."
A tanker is docked at an offloading terminal.

Taking a Toll

How allowing Iran to charge for transit in the Strait of Hormuz could undermine U.S. strategy in the Pacific and beyond
Collage of the Israel-Iran conflict

Collection: Iran, Israel and the United States at War (2025-2026 Operations)

Experts analyze the US-Israel Iran military conflicts - covering nuclear diplomacy; strategic, security, and regional implications; and domestic and international law.
Gen. Dan Caine speaks at a podium in front of a photograph of a ship

Five “Blockades” and One Legal Problem: Naval Enforcement in the U.S.–Iran Conflict

Former U.S. Navy Commander, JAGC Mark Nevitt clarifies the 5 "blockades" in the U.S.-Iran conflict and the different legal issues and operational risks at stake.
A man watches a tugboat in a port.

The United States-Cuba Oil Embargo and International Law

Experts on naval warfare examine the international law dimensions of the United States campaign against Cuba.
An overhead view of the Pentagon building in Washington, DC.

In Response to the Letter by International Law Experts

Four experts, who have each served as Senior Law of War Advisor, respond to Letter by 100+ international law experts on Iran war published at Just Security.
A large ship is seen in off a coast

Mined and Blockaded: Iran’s Unlawful Mining and the U.S. Port Blockade

If transit passage rights wither away in the Strait of Hormuz, then every chokepoint in the world is potentially exposed.
Under a blue and hazy gray sky, a large oil tanker ship emits smoke while sailing the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Iran.

Continuing Crisis in Strait of Hormuz: Why Iran’s Hold is Illegal and U.S. Military Force Alone Fails

Former US Navy Commander, JAGC Mark Nevitt provides a legal and operational update on the Strait of Hormuz crisis, including Iran’s military role and imposition of tolls.
Three cone shaped flags on poles, Israel, Iran, United States, isolated on a transparent background (via Getty Images).

Expert Q&A: A Targeting Primer on the Iran War

Leading legal experts' Q&A analyzes how the law of armed conflict applies to U.S., Israeli, and Iranian strikes - with a focus on targeting rules and civilian protections.
Handout photo taken on March 11, 2026 and released by the Royal Thai Navy shows smoke rising from the Thai bulk carrier 'Mayuree Naree' near the Strait of Hormuz after an attack. (Photo by Handout / ROYAL THAI NAVY / AFP via Getty Images)

Expert Q&A on Key Law of Naval Warfare Issues in the Conflict with Iran

Top legal experts on the law of naval warfare break down the key issues in the Iran-U.S.-Israel conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Gulf of Oman with the Persian Gulf in this photograph from the International Space Station as it orbited 262 miles above. In the right foreground, is the Soyuz MS-23 crew ship docked to the Prichal docking module. At bottom left, is a portion of the Northrop Grumman Cygnus space freighter and one of its cymbal-shaped UltraFlex solar arrays (photo: NASA)

Legal and Operational Issues in the Strait of Hormuz: Transit Passage Under Fire

"During my own transits through the Strait as a naval officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation, the narrow geography and proximity of Iranian territory were impossible…
Picture Of United Nations Flags

Operation Epic Fury: Reports of the Death of International Law are Greatly Exaggerated

"I am sure some restrictionists will critique my analysis by claiming it is not grounded in orthodox interpretations of international law."
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