The layout creates a unique geographic and legal dilemma: [1] The Omani Route: The standard, primary TSS for deep-water inbound and outbound megatankers falls primarily within Omani territorial waters. Because Oman ratified UNCLOS, they guarantee international transit passage. [1, 2] The Iranian Counter-Claim: Iran has historically threatened to restrict passage or enforce tolls, at times demanding vessels transit through alternative, Iranian-controlled channels to avoid overlapping territorial claims. [1, 2] Customary Law: Even though Iran isn't a state party to UNCLOS, maritime bodies and the international community widely assert that the right of unimpeded transit passage through international straits remains a binding rule of customary international law.
