According to international law expert Nele Matz-Lück, the sea blockade established by the United States in the Strait of Hormuz is “clearly against international law” if it impacts neutral shipping beyond its military targets. Matz-Lück told the “Handelsblatt” that such a blockade also violates the recently agreed-upon ceasefire with Iran, effectively amounting to a resumption of hostilities.
While a blockade targeting Iranian ports may be permissible within the framework of the laws of war, it must remain proportional and cannot impede humanitarian supplies. However, measures such as stopping ships that have paid fees to Iran are “clearly illegal under international law” and are not covered by maritime law concerning war.
Overall, the expert views the US actions as politically risky and legally questionable. She notes that this points to a departure from the principles of free navigation and could tempt other nations to take similar measures, thereby endangering the foundation of international maritime law. The expert also strongly criticized the rhetoric used by the US. She stated to the “Handelsblatt” that terms like “economic terrorism” used by US Vice President J.D. Vance, are legally undefined and merely an expression of “imperial power rhetoric” highlighting a shift away from international legal standards toward actions driven by raw power.