After three weeks of war in the Middle East, it is increasingly hard to predict what might happen next. But the prospect of a prolonged conflict has obvious and serious implications for New Zealand.

Beyond the impact of energy supply disruption and the economic consequences, there is the question of New Zealand military assistance to protect vital oil and gas shipments in the Strait of Hormuz.

On March 19, New Zealand joined a group of 19 countries (including the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia) condemning Iran’s attacks on unarmed commercial vessels and declaring their “readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait”.

The statement came after the United Nations Security Council issued Resolution 2817 on March 11 condemning the attacks by Iran against neighbouring Gulf states.

The Security Council also took note of the rights of member states, in accordance with international law (including the law of the sea), to defend their vessels from attack and actions that undermine navigational rights and freedoms.

Freedom of navigation – particularly around vital maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz – is one of the oldest........

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