Naval warfare
18 Articles

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."

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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."