What is the common examiner trap about Intl. Relations in UPSC exams?

Examiners may confuse the ratification status: US has not ratified UNCLOS, but it may still follow customary law. Iran has signed but not ratified, so it is not a full party. Students might assume both are parties.

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Intl. Relations for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: 30 days for US to end blockade 2. Target this Nodal Body: UNCLOS (international law governing straits) 3. Target this Legal Point: US not ratified UNCLOS; Iran signed but not ratified

News 11 of 22

Iran-U.S. MoU Allows Iran to Levy Toll in Strait of Hormuz; US Ends Blockade in 30 Days

Q: Which international treaty primarily governs the legal regime for straits used for international navigation?

UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), UNCLOS contains detailed provisions on straits used for international navigation, including transit passage and prohibition of tolls. SOLAS and MARPOL deal with safety and pollution, while UNFCCC deals with climate change.

Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The Iran-U.S. MoU allows Iran to negotiate transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The US has ratified UNCLOS and is bound by its provisions on straits. 3. India has opposed any toll on the Strait of Hormuz. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 3, Statement 1 is correct: the MoU opens the door for Iran to stake claims and charge fees. Statement 2 is incorrect: the US has not ratified UNCLOS. Statement 3 is correct: the article explicitly mentions that India has opposed tolls.

Q: According to the article, within how many days will the US fully end its naval blockade of Iran?

30 days, The article states: 'The U.S., which will fully end its naval blockade within 30 days'.

Q: Why is India likely to oppose any toll on the Strait of Hormuz as mentioned in the article?

Because India is a major importer of oil and tolls would increase shipping costs, The article mentions that 'International shipping interests, including India, have also opposed tolls.' India is heavily dependent on oil imports, and any additional cost in the Strait of Hormuz would raise energy prices.

Intl. Relations Security & Defence EnvironmentCORE

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link

18 Jun 2026

~2 min

Source: The Hindu

Key Data:30 daysUNCLOSIran signed not ratifiedUS not ratified

Bodies:IranUnited StatesOmanGulf statesUNCLOS

Practice MCQs from today's news ▸

~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.Iran-U.S. MoU opens the door for Iran to negotiate tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a first in history.

2.US agrees to fully end naval blockade within 30 days and issue waivers for Iranian oil exports during the transition.

3.UNCLOS (not ratified by US, signed but not ratified by Iran) governs straits and generally prohibits tolls, but transit rights apply.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · High

A new Iran-U.S. MoU recognises Iran as a key stakeholder in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially allowing it to charge transit fees. The US will end its naval blockade within 30 days and lift sanctions. This could reshape global shipping costs and energy security, making it critical for India's oil imports.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

US blockade end timeline30 days

UNCLOS ratification by USNot ratified

UNCLOS status for IranSigned but not ratified

1-Minute Revision

›US blockade end timeline: 30 days
›UNCLOS ratification by US: Not ratified
›Target this Data: 30 days for US to end blockade
›Target this Nodal Body: UNCLOS (international law governing straits)
›Target this Legal Point: US not ratified UNCLOS; Iran signed but not ratified

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News Snapshot

📜

MoU Provisions

Iran gains recognition as a stakeholder in the Strait of Hormuz and can negotiate transit fees with littoral states.

🌊

Strait of Hormuz

A strategic chokepoint for global oil trade; Iran previously did not charge any toll for transit.

⚖️

UNCLOS Framework

UNCLOS prohibits tolls in straits used for international navigation, but the US has not ratified it and Iran has only signed it.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime chokepoint through which about 20% of global oil passes. Iran had previously threatened to block the strait as a retaliatory measure. The MoU is part of post-war reconstruction efforts, where Iran had proposed tolls to fund rebuilding. The US naval blockade was imposed during the conflict.

Core Analysis & Implications

By recognising Iran as a key stakeholder, the MoU legitimises Iran's claim to levy fees, which could increase shipping costs for oil-importing nations like India. The US ending its blockade and lifting sanctions within 30 days will restore normal traffic. However, the toll proposal faces opposition from Gulf states and international shipping interests, including India.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Iran will negotiate with Oman and other Gulf states to define maritime services. The final arrangement must comply with international law, but the ambiguity of UNCLOS ratification (US not ratified, Iran only signed) leaves legal room for Iran to assert claims. India and other major consumers will likely push for free passage.

Key Facts at a Glance

US blockade end timeline30 days

UNCLOS ratification by USNot ratified

UNCLOS status for IranSigned but not ratified

You've read the full analysis. Now test your understanding.

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, Banking

Which international treaty primarily governs the legal regime for straits used for international navigation?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements:

1. The Iran-U.S. MoU allows Iran to negotiate transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz.

2. The US has ratified UNCLOS and is bound by its provisions on straits.

3. India has opposed any toll on the Strait of Hormuz.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricEasyUPSC, SSC, Banking

According to the article, within how many days will the US fully end its naval blockade of Iran?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC, Banking

Why is India likely to oppose any toll on the Strait of Hormuz as mentioned in the article?

All 15 MCQs ▸

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Iran-U.S. MoU Allows Iran to Levy Toll in Strait of Hormuz; US Ends Blockade in 30 Days

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

MoU Provisions

Strait of Hormuz

UNCLOS Framework

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance