European Institute for Studies on
the Middle East and North Africa

Hormuz: From Legal Chaos to an Ad-Hoc Regime?

Since February 28, 2026, the Strait of Hormuz has become the theater of a confrontation in which the law of the sea appears, if not torn apart, at least to have its fundamental principles challenged. Iran’s closure of the strait, the American blockage of Iranian ports since April 13, the toll imposed by the Revolutionary […]

The Arabian Gulf Countries: Turning Point or Breaking Point?

The U.S.-Israel war on Iran tested the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in unprecedented ways. Prior to the conflict, the GCC had an optimistic vision of the future. In the aftermath, however,  the organization must reassess its direction. First the war has halted, if not derailed, all the prewar megaprojects. Second, the GCC must redirect its priorities toward […]

The 2026 Israeli-American war against Iran and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, have revived the debate on the transport of hydrocarbons.

Since the second half of the 20th century, despite the initially pivotal role played by pipelines, maritime transports has established itself as the backbone of the global hydrocarbon trade (the success of oil tankers, the development of LNG carriers). In this context, the Strait of Hormuz has taken on capital importance. This strategic passage between […]