The legal framework that governs maritime conflict, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• A US submarine torpedoed the Iranian warship IRIS Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday.
• The IRIS Dena was returning from the MILAN-2026 naval exercise organized by the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam.
• At least 80 sailors were killed in the sinking of the frigate.
• The incident has expanded the conflict between US-Israel and Iran to the Indian Ocean.

Detailed Insights:

• International maritime law, primarily governed by the UNCLOS, lacks explicit regulations for belligerent conduct during armed conflicts, focusing instead on peacetime governance.
• The law of naval warfare operates alongside UNCLOS during conflicts, potentially making the IRIS Dena a legitimate target as an Iranian warship, regardless of its direct involvement in the conflict.
• Article 51 of the UN Charter allows for the use of force in international waters in the event of an "armed attack" for self-defense, providing a possible justification for the US action.
• The attack occurred in Sri Lanka's exclusive economic zone, enabling their rapid response for search and rescue operations, suggesting potential awareness of a threat.
• Some experts argue the attack is a significant escalation, as the Iranian warship was on a peaceful passage and not in a designated conflict zone, potentially violating international norms.

Key Concepts Involved:

• UNCLOS: An international agreement that establishes a legal framework for all marine and maritime activities.
• Law of Naval Warfare: A set of international laws that regulate the conduct of naval operations during armed conflict.
• Exclusive Economic Zone: A sea zone prescribed by the UNCLOS where a state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources.