From the strait of Hormuz to the North Sea, a global maritime war rages around us – and more than the price of oil is at stake | Simon Tisdall

Maritime Security Operations Span Strait of Hormuz to North Sea as Nations Assert Control Over Shipping Routes

The United States has conducted military operations to protect merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz by establishing direct maritime control, an approach with historical precedents. In 1825-27, a US naval squadron under Commodore John Rodgers operated in the Mediterranean to shield American vessels from attacks by Greek corsairs. The squadron focused on safeguarding US commercial interests rather than supporting Greek independence efforts against the Ottoman Empire. Current US actions in the Strait of Hormuz similarly center on defense of trade routes following reported Iranian strikes on merchant vessels.

The United States has not ratified the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea but has maintained support for freedom of navigation principles. In June, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that no country may impose tolls or fees on international waterways. Subsequent statements from the administration indicated possible US consideration of transit fees, though officials later clarified the position. A memorandum of understanding reached last month with Iran recognizes joint rights with Oman to manage and potentially monetize passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement remains the primary framework referenced for any future arrangements despite continued US naval activity.

These developments occur alongside broader challenges to established maritime norms. In Yemen, Houthi forces have imposed restrictions on shipping through the Bab al-Mandab strait at the Red Sea entrance, citing responses to Saudi Arabian operations. Two oil tankers sustained damage this week, contributing to volatility in energy markets.

Discussions in Indonesia have examined the possibility of fees for transit through the Strait of Malacca, which handles 22 percent of global maritime traffic. Similar proposals have surfaced regarding the Bosphorus and the Strait of Gibraltar. Roughly 80 percent of world trade by volume moves by sea, making any changes to transit rules significant for supply chains.

In the South China Sea, Chinese construction of facilities on reefs and periodic encounters with Philippine vessels have continued. China has not accepted the 2016 permanent court of arbitration ruling that its claims over most of the area lacked legal foundation. Last week, a Chinese missile destroyer conducted a live-fire exercise within Japan’s exclusive economic zone approximately 180 kilometers from Okinotori. Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has indicated that a Chinese attempt to seize Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response. Chinese air and naval exercises in the region occur regularly.

A Russian frigate participated in the recent exercise near Japan. Russia’s Black Sea fleet has incurred losses from Ukrainian strikes since 2022 and no longer exercises full control over those waters. Russian naval units have increased operations in the North Atlantic, North Sea, and English Channel, including suspected mapping of undersea infrastructure. On Monday, a Russian warship conducted a live-fire drill 70 kilometers south of Plymouth. Last month, another Russian vessel fired warning shots near a yacht off the Isle of Wight.

Additional reported incidents include the March sinking of an Iranian warship by US forces near Sri Lanka, a recent collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels, US statements regarding Greenland, and US strikes on vessels off Venezuela. A Chinese nuclear submarine test-fired a ballistic missile in the South Pacific this month. Australia, which is acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, expressed concern.

These events coincide with increased global defense spending. The United Kingdom government faces calls to expand naval capabilities, including upgrades to the Trident nuclear deterrent system.

The pattern reflects multiple states acting to secure maritime access, enforce claims, or respond to perceived threats. Historical agreements on navigation, resource use, fisheries, and environmental standards face repeated tests as individual nations prioritize unilateral measures.