Strait of Hormuz Blockade: Iran's Toll System and International Law Violations
Contents4
Indian Express - Explained · 28 Mar 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · International relations Mains · GS2 International relations High relevance
Iran's selective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint, and its proposed toll system violate UNCLOS provisions, impacting global energy security and India's strategic interests.
Key points
Strait of Hormuz handles 20% of global energy flows, making Iran's blockade since February 28 a severe disruption to international trade and energy markets.
Iran has permitted passage only to friendly nations like India, China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan, while blocking US, Israel, and their allies, using the strait as geopolitical leverage.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has implemented a 'toll-booth system', charging up to $2 million per vessel and requiring extensive documentation for passage.
This violates UNCLOS Articles 38, 39, and 44, which guarantee unimpeded transit passage through international straits and prohibit coastal states from hampering navigation.
[GS3-Economy] The blockade has caused a 97% drop in daily vessel traffic (from 130 to 3-4 ships), triggering global energy price volatility and supply chain disruptions.
India's Operation Urja Suraksha (referenced in recent EdMe articles) aims to secure energy shipments, highlighting the strategic importance of Hormuz for India's energy security.
[GS2-International Relations] Iran's actions test the limits of maritime sovereignty versus international law, setting a dangerous precedent for other chokepoints like Malacca or Bab-el-Mandeb.
Way Forward: The international community should pursue UNSC action to enforce UNCLOS, establish a multilateral naval task force to ensure free navigation, and accelerate alternative energy routes to reduce Hormuz dependence.
Key terms
- Strait of Hormuz
- A 21-mile wide chokepoint between Oman and Iran connecting Persian Gulf oil producers to global markets. Its strategic significance lies in handling 20% of global oil trade, making it critical for energy security and geopolitical leverage in West Asia conflicts.
- UNCLOS (Articles 38/39/44)
- The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea establishes transit passage rights through international straits. Articles 38-44 prohibit coastal states from impeding navigation, forming the legal basis for challenging Iran's blockade and toll demands.
- Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
- Iran's elite military force responsible for extraterritorial operations and strategic assets. Its control over Hormuz blockade operations demonstrates the fusion of military and economic coercion in Iran's foreign policy toolkit.
- Operation Urja Suraksha
- India's naval operation to protect energy shipments through Hormuz, reflecting the strait's importance for India's energy imports (60% of oil transits Hormuz) and the need for proactive maritime security posturing.
Practice question
Critically analyze the implications of Iran's selective blockade and toll system in the Strait of Hormuz on global energy security and international maritime law. (250 words, 15 marks)
GS2 15 marks 250 words Mains
Key terms to include: Strait of Hormuz UNCLOS Articles 38/39/44 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Operation Urja Suraksha Global energy security Maritime sovereignty Geopolitical leverage Energy price volatility
Answer framework
Introduction
Briefly introduce the Strait of Hormuz as a critical global energy chokepoint and mention Iran's recent actions (blockade and toll system). Highlight the relevance to international law and energy security.
Violation of International Maritime Law
Iran's actions contravene UNCLOS Articles 38, 39, and 44, which guarantee unimpeded transit passage through international straits.
Selective blockade and toll system set a dangerous precedent for other chokepoints like Malacca or Bab-el-Mandeb.
Impact on Global Energy Security
Disruption of 20% of global energy flows, causing a 97% drop in daily vessel traffic and triggering energy price volatility.
Supply chain disruptions affecting energy-dependent economies, including India, which relies on Hormuz for 60% of its oil imports.
Geopolitical Implications
Use of the strait as geopolitical leverage by Iran, favoring friendly nations like India, China, and Russia while blocking US and allies.
Demonstrates the fusion of military and economic coercion in Iran's foreign policy, as seen in the IRGC's role.
India's Strategic Response
Operation Urja Suraksha reflects India's proactive maritime security posturing to protect energy shipments.
Need for India to balance relations with Iran while ensuring energy security and upholding international law.
Conclusion
Suggest a way forward, such as UNSC action to enforce UNCLOS, multilateral naval task forces, and diversification of energy routes to reduce Hormuz dependence.
Fact check
Issues found Overall severity: medium
Strait of Hormuz handles 20% of global energy flows, making Iran's blockade since February 28 a severe disruption to international trade and energy markets.
The source text mentions a fifth of global energy flows, which is consistent with 20%. The blockade date of February 28 is also confirmed. Severity: low
Iran has permitted passage only to friendly nations like India, China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan, while blocking US, Israel, and their allies, using the strait as geopolitical leverage.
The source text confirms that Iran has permitted passage to India, China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan, and blocked US, Israel, and their allies. Severity: low
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has implemented a 'toll-booth system', charging up to $2 million per vessel and requiring extensive documentation for passage.
The source text mentions that the IRGC has implemented a toll-booth system, with some vessels charged up to $2 million, and requires extensive documentation. Severity: low
This violates UNCLOS Articles 38, 39, and 44, which guarantee unimpeded transit passage through international straits and prohibit coastal states from hampering navigation.
The source text confirms that Iran's actions violate UNCLOS Articles 38, 39, and 44. Severity: low
The blockade has caused a 97% drop in daily vessel traffic (from 130 to 3-4 ships), triggering global energy price volatility and supply chain disruptions.
The source text states that daily vessel traffic dropped from 130 to 3-4 ships, which is a 97% drop. The impact on energy prices and supply chains is implied. Severity: low
India's Operation Urja Suraksha (referenced in recent EdMe articles) aims to secure energy shipments, highlighting the strategic importance of Hormuz for India's energy security.
The source text does not mention 'Operation Urja Suraksha'. This appears to be an addition not verifiable from the provided source. Severity: medium
Iran's actions test the limits of maritime sovereignty versus international law, setting a dangerous precedent for other chokepoints like Malacca or Bab-el-Mandeb.
This is an analytical claim and not a factual one. The source text discusses the legal violations but does not mention other chokepoints. Severity: low
The international community should pursue UNSC action to enforce UNCLOS, establish a multilateral naval task force to ensure free navigation, and accelerate alternative energy routes to reduce Hormuz dependence.
This is a suggested way forward and not a factual claim from the source text. Severity: low