Why No One Truly "Owns" the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most critical maritime choke point, but the question of who actually "owns" it is far from simple. In this video, we dive into the complex web of international law, territorial claims, and historical precedents that define control over these narrow waters. From the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to the specific claims of Iran and Oman, we break down why this 21-mile-wide passage remains the center of global shipping tension and what "right of transit passage" really means for the world's fleet. Key Highlights: ⚓The Geography of Control: A look at the Traffic Separation Schemes and how the territorial waters of Iran and Oman overlap in this 21-nautical-mile-wide strait. ⚓The Portuguese "Cartage" System: A historical look at how 16th-century Portugal used a passport and toll system to control trade in the region—and why today’s actions might feel like history repeating itself. ⚓UNCLOS Explained: An analysis of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). ⚓We discuss the rights of "Transit Passage" under Articles 37, 38, and 44, which prevent coastal states from hampering international shipping. ⚓The "Outlaw Sea": Why maritime law is often described as the "Wild West" and how nations like the U.S. and Iran navigate a system they haven't fully ratified. ⚓Global Comparisons: How the Strait of Hormuz compares to other major waterways like the Suez Canal, Panama Canal, the Turkish Straits, and the English Channel. ⚓Does Iran have the legal right to close the strait? Can Oman charge for passage? Watch to find out why the freedom of the seas remains the backbone of the global economy. Contact What's Going on With Shipping via: Patreon: www.patreon.com/wgowshipping Twitter: @mercoglianos Bluesky: @mercoglianos.bsky.social Facebook: @wgowshipping Email: [email protected] 00:00 Introduction 01:27 Geography of the Strait of Hormuz via MarineTraffic 03:07 Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority 03:43 US/Iran Southern Passage 04:27 Maritime Law 05:27 History of Hormuz and Tolls 07:44 Free Trade and Freedom of the Seas 08:31 1958 Geneva Convention on the Law of the Sea 09:12 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 12:06 Who the Hell Owns the Strait of Hormuz? 15:06 What about other Straits around the World? 18:17 Conclusion Marine Traffic www.marinetraffic.com 1958 Geneva Conventions on the Law of the Sea https://legal.un.org/avl/ha/gclos/gcl... United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea https://legal.un.org/avl/ha/uncls/unc...