The Inside Story Podcast What would it take for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz?
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Apr 3, 2026 Craig Murray, former head of the UK Maritime Section, gives practical naval and historical perspective. Rockford Weitz, Tufts maritime law expert, explains legal and navigation options. Hassan Ahmadian, Iranian foreign policy scholar, outlines Tehran’s political and legal rationale. They discuss international law, wartime rights, alternate shipping routes, military vs diplomatic options, and potential tolls and agreements.
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Legal Status Of The Strait Under UNCLOS
- The Strait of Hormuz is legally a strait used for international navigation under UNCLOS Article 34, so commercial traffic should pass unimpeded in peacetime.
- Coastal states (Iran, Oman, UAE) retain limited rights like traffic separation schemes, but cannot lawfully close passage for neutral commercial ships in peacetime.
Iran Frames Restrictions As Wartime Security Measures
- In wartime coastal states may restrict passage to protect national security, and Iran frames its measures as wartime rights not peacetime closure.
- Hassan Ahmadian argues Iran can lawfully act to prevent enemies using the strait to supply forces against it.
Flag Determines How Iran Treats Ships
- Flag state matters: a ship is represented by the flag it flies, so Iran's treatment of vessels depends on which countries they represent.
- Rockford notes U.S. and Israeli-flag tankers would be treated much differently from Chinese, Japanese, or Filipino ships.