The Front Page Could NZ be dragged into a war over the Strait of Hormuz?
Mar 23, 2026
Al Gillespie, international law professor at Waikato University, explains legal risks around strikes on civilian infrastructure. He discusses possible Iranian reprisals, threats to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, how other countries might be drawn in, and humanitarian and environmental dangers if nuclear or power facilities were hit.
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Civilian Infrastructure Attacks Escalate And Break Rules
- Attacking civilian infrastructure like power plants is legally fraught because law prohibits targeting civilian objects without clear military necessity.
- Al Gillespie says both sides are threatening such attacks, escalating the conflict and making it harder to de-escalate peacefully.
Reprisals Do Not Legalise Civilian Harm
- Reprisals are not a lawful justification for attacking civilians; illegal acts by one side don't permit illegal retaliation.
- Gillespie warns Iran's claim that 'anything goes' because the war's illegal is legally incorrect.
Defend The Waterway Through Support Roles
- Countries can defend the Strait of Hormuz via non-combat support like intelligence sharing and replacing vessels for patrols.
- Gillespie notes New Zealand could take over patrol duties or share intel rather than send combat forces.