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

They may ask which country controls the southern coast of the Strait (Oman) instead of the northern coast (Iran). They might also confuse UNCLOS with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) or ask about 'innocent passage' (which applies in territorial seas) instead of 'transit passage' (for international straits).

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

1. Target this Data: Strait of Hormuz carries 20% (one-fifth) of global energy flows. 2. Target this Nodal Body: International Maritime Organization (IMO) - Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez cited. 3. Target this Legal Point: UNCLOS Articles 38, 39, and 44 guarantee the right of 'transit passage' in international straits.

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News 6 of 26

Iran Blocks Strait of Hormuz, Allows Friendly Nations Passage Amid US-Israel War; Toll Collection Violates UNCLOS

Q: According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which of the following articles specifies the right of transit passage through international straits?

Article 38, UNCLOS Article 38 specifies the right of transit passage for all ships and aircraft through straits used for international navigation. This is the core legal provision relevant to the Strait of Hormuz situation discussed in the article.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz: 1. It is a natural strait connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. 2. Under UNCLOS, coastal states like Iran can legally charge tolls for passage through such international straits. 3. The Strait of Hormuz accounts for approximately one-fifth of global energy flows. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 3, Statement 1 is correct: The Strait of Hormuz is a natural strait. Statement 2 is incorrect: UNCLOS Articles 38 and 44 grant the right of transit passage and prohibit coastal states from hampering it; charging a toll is considered hampering. Statement 3 is correct: The article explicitly states the strait accounts for a fifth (20%) of global energy flows.

Q: According to the International Maritime Organization Secretary-General cited in the article, approximately how many vessels were stranded near the Strait of Hormuz due to the blockade?

Nearly 2,000 vessels, The article directly quotes IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stating that 'nearly 2,000 vessels are stranded close to the narrow strait'. This is a key data point highlighting the scale of the disruption.

Q: What is the primary reason cited in the article for Iran's attempt to impose a toll on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz being illegal under international law?

Because it violates the right of transit passage under UNCLOS., The article explains that charging a fee is legally interpreted as 'hampering' passage under UNCLOS Article 44, turning a sovereign right (transit passage under Articles 38-39) into a conditional permit. This is the core legal argument against Iran's actions.

Intl. Relations Security & Defence EnvironmentHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link

27 Mar 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:20% of global energy flows130+ vessels daily (pre-war)3-4 vessels daily (post-war)Nearly 2,000 vessels stranded$2 million tollUNCLOS Articles 38, 39, 44

Bodies:International Maritime Organization (IMO)Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)Iranian Parliament

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~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.Iran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, 2026, reducing daily vessel traffic from over 130 to 3-4 ships.

2.Iran permits passage to 'friendly nations' including India, China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan, while targeting ships of US-Israel allies, creating a major global energy shock.

3.Iran's IRGC has implemented a 'toll-booth' vetting system and Parliament is discussing a formal toll law, actions which violate the transit passage rights under UNCLOS Articles 38, 39, and 44.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · High

Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for 20% of global energy flows, is a key strategic move in its war against the US and Israel. While it permits passage to 'friendly nations' like India and China, its attempts to levy a transit toll are illegal under UNCLOS, raising significant international law and energy security concerns for exams.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Strait of Hormuz ImportanceAccounts for 20% (one-fifth) of global energy flows

Post-War Daily Traffic3-4 vessels per day (down from 130+)

Friendly Nations AllowedIndia, China, Russia, Iraq, Pakistan

Key Legal FrameworkUNCLOS 1982 (Articles 38, 39, 44)

Reported Toll AmountUp to $2 million per vessel

Stranded VesselsNearly 2,000 vessels (as per IMO)

1-Minute Revision

›Strait of Hormuz Importance: Accounts for 20% (one-fifth) of global energy flows
›Post-War Daily Traffic: 3-4 vessels per day (down from 130+)
›Target this Data: Strait of Hormuz carries 20% (one-fifth) of global energy flows.
›Target this Nodal Body: International Maritime Organization (IMO) - Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez cited.
›Target this Legal Point: UNCLOS Articles 38, 39, and 44 guarantee the right of 'transit passage' in international straits.

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News Snapshot

⚔️

Strategic Blockade

Iran uses its control over the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in its war against the US and Israel, significantly disrupting global energy supplies.

⚖️

Legal Violation

Iran's blockade and proposed toll collection violate the right of transit passage under UNCLOS, which prohibits coastal states from hampering passage in international straits.

🤝

Selective Passage

Iran operates a 'toll-booth' vetting system, allowing safe passage only to vessels from friendly nations after geopolitical screening by the IRGC.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), it is designated as an international strait where all vessels enjoy the right of 'transit passage'. Iran, a signatory but non-ratifier of UNCLOS, controls its northern coastline, while Oman controls the southern side. This strategic location gives Iran immense geopolitical leverage, especially during conflicts.

Core Analysis & Implications

Iran's calibrated blockade, allowing passage only to friendly nations, weaponizes global energy security. The reported 'toll-booth' system operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) involves vetting vessel documentation and charging fees, effectively converting a sovereign right into a conditional permit. This action is illegal under UNCLOS Article 44, which states coastal states 'shall not hamper' transit passage. The blockade has caused the worst energy shock in recent times, with nearly 2,000 vessels stranded and over 20 commercial ships attacked. India's diplomatic outreach, including multiple talks with Iranian officials, has secured safe passage for its flagged vessels like 'Jag Vasant' as a 'rare exception'.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

The situation presents a major test for international maritime law and the principle of freedom of navigation. If Iran's Parliament passes the toll legislation, it will set a dangerous precedent for other coastal states controlling strategic straits. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has already condemned the actions as violations of international law. Future negotiations to end the war will likely involve Iran demanding formal recognition of its authority over the strait. The international community, through bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), may need to coordinate naval patrols or legal challenges to uphold UNCLOS.

Examiner's Angle & Linkages

This news integrates International Relations (West Asia conflict), Geography (strategic straits), and Security (maritime security). For UPSC, focus on UNCLOS provisions, India's energy security and diplomatic balancing (West Asia policy), and the role of international organizations like IMO. For SSC/Banking, remember the factual data: percentage of global oil, list of friendly nations, and key UNCLOS articles. The examiner may trap by asking which country controls the southern coast (Oman, not UAE) or by confusing UNCLOS with other maritime conventions.

Key Facts at a Glance

Strait of Hormuz ImportanceAccounts for 20% (one-fifth) of global energy flows

Post-War Daily Traffic3-4 vessels per day (down from 130+)

Friendly Nations AllowedIndia, China, Russia, Iraq, Pakistan

Key Legal FrameworkUNCLOS 1982 (Articles 38, 39, 44)

Reported Toll AmountUp to $2 million per vessel

Stranded VesselsNearly 2,000 vessels (as per IMO)

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Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC

According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which of the following articles specifies the right of transit passage through international straits?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC

Consider the following statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz:

1. It is a natural strait connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

2. Under UNCLOS, coastal states like Iran can legally charge tolls for passage through such international straits.

3. The Strait of Hormuz accounts for approximately one-fifth of global energy flows.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, SSC, Banking

According to the International Maritime Organization Secretary-General cited in the article, approximately how many vessels were stranded near the Strait of Hormuz due to the blockade?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC

What is the primary reason cited in the article for Iran's attempt to impose a toll on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz being illegal under international law?

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Iran Blocks Strait of Hormuz, Allows Friendly Nations Passage Amid US-Israel War; Toll Collection Violates UNCLOS

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Strategic Blockade

Legal Violation

Selective Passage

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Examiner's Angle & Linkages

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance