Securing the Strait: A Multilateral Agreement for the Hormuz Passage

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global maritime chokepoint, has long been a source of geopolitical tension and strategic importance. As the primary gateway for much of the world's oil and gas exports, the security and freedom of navigation through this narrow waterway is of paramount concern to countries around the globe. Experts argue that a governing arrangement for the strait can and must be developed based on international law and fact.

The current situation is marked by a complex web of overlapping jurisdictions, competing national interests, and the ever-present risk of conflict. The countries bordering the strait - Iran, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates - have long asserted their sovereignty over the waters, while global powers, including the United States and China, have sought to maintain unrestricted access for commercial and military vessels.

Attempts to unilaterally control or restrict passage through the strait have been met with strong opposition, and the risk of miscalculation or escalation remains high. A regional agreement, negotiated and implemented by the directly affected parties, could provide a framework for managing this critical maritime chokepoint in a more stable and predictable manner.

Such an agreement would need to balance the legitimate security concerns of the coastal states with the international community's interest in preserving freedom of navigation. It could, for example, establish joint patrols, coordinated surveillance, and dispute resolution mechanisms to ensure the safe and uninterrupted passage of ships through the strait.

Crucially, the agreement would also need to be grounded in international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides a comprehensive framework for the rights and obligations of states in the world's oceans and seas. By basing the agreement on these established legal principles, the coastal states and global powers alike would be more likely to accept and abide by its terms.

The development of such a regional agreement for the Strait of Hormuz would not be without its challenges. Geopolitical rivalries, mistrust, and the potential for spoiler actors to undermine the process would all need to be carefully navigated. However, the potential benefits of enhanced regional cooperation and stability in this critical waterway make the effort well worth pursuing.

As the world continues to grapple with the geopolitical complexities of the Strait of Hormuz, the time has come for a new, cooperative approach to governing this vital maritime chokepoint. A regional agreement, grounded in international law and the shared interests of all stakeholders, could provide the stability and predictability necessary to safeguard the flow of global energy supplies and promote regional peace and security.