Political and Legal Aspects of the U.S.-Iranian Confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz and Adjacent Waters According to Different Versions of Events
A series of incidents involving ships and aircraft in and around the Strait of Hormuz almost brought U.S.-Iranian relations to the brink of armed conflict. Mutual accusations were coming from both sides, and it was extremely difficult to find out which side was the truth and who was abusing the so-called "Fake News" generations. The first part of the paper explores the main possible versions of what happened, with a focus on their political and legal implications for both sides and all the participants involved. The analysis of the legality of detention of civilian commercial vessels, both from the British and Iranian sides, is provided. It shows how any threat to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the introduction of any obstacles to commercial shipping through it may have the most negative consequences for Tehran.