GS1World History·22 Apr 2026·3 min read

Peace Treaties and Post-War World Order — Latest Development

Recent development on Peace Treaties and Post-War World Order. Review source articles.

•The recent escalation of tensions between the US and Iran has raised questions about the legality of the conflict, particularly with regards to the naval blockade imposed by the US.
•On April 8, a temporary ceasefire took effect, but the US announced a naval blockade aimed at restricting Iran's oil exports and intercepting vessels entering or exiting its ports.
•The legality of this blockade depends on the status of the conflict and the exact geographic coordinates of the blockade.

The recent escalation of tensions between the US and Iran has raised questions about the legality of the conflict, particularly with regards to the naval blockade imposed by the US. On April 8, a temporary ceasefire took effect, but the US announced a naval blockade aimed at restricting Iran's oil exports and intercepting vessels entering or exiting its ports. The legality of this blockade depends on the status of the conflict and the exact geographic coordinates of the blockade.

The Status of the Conflict: International Law Perspective

The 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regulates peacetime activities, while international conflicts are governed by the Law of Active Combat (LOAC), also known as International Humanitarian Law (IHL). According to LOAC, an 'international armed conflict' exists whenever there is a “resort to armed force between States”, regardless of whether a formal declaration of war has been made. The US may argue that the ceasefire is merely a pause in fighting, and the blockade is a lawful resumption of hostilities. On the other hand, Iran may argue that the ceasefire functioned as an end to the fighting, making the blockade an unprovoked attack in peacetime.

▸The US-Israeli alliance began the war on Iran on February 28.
▸Iran responded by effectively “closing” the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage that accounts for a fifth of the world’s energy flows in peacetime.
▸A temporary ceasefire took effect on April 8, but the US announced a naval blockade aimed at restricting Iran’s oil exports and intercepting vessels entering or exiting its ports.
▸Iranian forces retaliated by intercepting foreign-flagged oil tankers on April 18.

Key Provisions and Legal Framework

The UN Charter, whose Article 2(4) prohibits member states from using or threatening force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, is also relevant in this context. If it is determined that the US and Iran are in an active state of armed conflict, the rules of peacetime are immediately suspended, and the laws of naval warfare apply. The San Remo Manual (1994) and international Prize law are also important in understanding the legal framework governing naval blockades.

▸The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regulates peacetime activities.
▸The Geneva Convention underpins the modern LOAC.
▸The UN Charter prohibits member states from using or threatening force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

India's Position and the Global Context

The conflict between the US and Iran has significant implications for India, given its dependence on imported oil and its strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz. India has been trying to maintain good relations with both the US and Iran, but the conflict poses a challenge to its diplomatic efforts. The National Security Council (NSC) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) are closely monitoring the situation and exploring options to protect India's interests.

▸India imports a significant portion of its oil from Iran.
▸The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping lane for India's oil imports.
▸The conflict between the US and Iran has led to increased tensions in the region, affecting global oil prices.

Did You Know? The Strait of Hormuz is only 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, making it a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies.

Significance and What Changes Now

The conflict between the US and Iran has significant implications for global energy security and the international legal framework governing naval blockades. The situation is complex, with multiple stakeholders and competing interests. The outcome of the conflict will depend on various factors, including the actions of the US, Iran, and other regional players.

▸The conflict has led to increased tensions in the region, affecting global oil prices.
▸The naval blockade imposed by the US has significant implications for international law and the rules of naval warfare.
▸The situation is being closely monitored by India and other countries in the region, given its potential impact on global energy security.