South Korean Association States Hormuz Blockade Difficult to Justify Legally

Washington (ANTARA) - The South Korean Arctic Shipping Association has stated that the United States would struggle to obtain legal justification for the maritime blockade imposed in the Strait of Hormuz.

“In traditional law governing sea blockades, several key requirements include prior notification, effectiveness, impartial enforcement, and consideration of humanitarian aspects. Therefore, the legal basis for a unilateral blockade against Iranian ports remains highly questionable,” said Subeom Choi, Secretary General of the South Korean Arctic Shipping Association, to RIA Novosti.

Choi added that maritime blockades are generally considered part of military conflicts at sea and are imposed based on the United Nations Charter and in accordance with UN Security Council sanctions.

“From the perspective of international law, this action is open to serious legal disputes,” he added.

On 13 April, the US Navy began blockading all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that accounts for around 20 percent of the world’s supply of oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas.

Washington stated that non-Iranian vessels remain free to pass through the strait as long as they do not pay tolls to Tehran.