Iran has asserted its control over the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that vessels comply with new terms and conditions to transit, including mandatory Iranian insurance for all vessels
I suppose it’s not really about morality but more about rules-for-thee-but-not-for-me. I don’t think the US would be cool with Russian or Iranian ships coming very close to Miami on their way to Cuba or Mexico, especially without US-approved insurance or maintenance records.
Hormuz is a natural strait and leads to a natural gulf, but they are entirely within territorial water boundaries of several tightly packed countries. I can see many reasonable justifications for countries to assert control of ship traffic very close to their land borders. Smuggling, pollution, risk of catastrophe, etc.
Of course there are huge financial interests in returning to the status quo ante, and media mostly takes for granted that it’s the way things should be. I just want an introductory explainer of why, and how reciprocal that is to other navigational norms worldwide.
I suppose it’s not really about morality but more about rules-for-thee-but-not-for-me. I don’t think the US would be cool with Russian or Iranian ships coming very close to Miami on their way to Cuba or Mexico, especially without US-approved insurance or maintenance records.
Hormuz is a natural strait and leads to a natural gulf, but they are entirely within territorial water boundaries of several tightly packed countries. I can see many reasonable justifications for countries to assert control of ship traffic very close to their land borders. Smuggling, pollution, risk of catastrophe, etc.
Of course there are huge financial interests in returning to the status quo ante, and media mostly takes for granted that it’s the way things should be. I just want an introductory explainer of why, and how reciprocal that is to other navigational norms worldwide.