The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) outlines specific regimes for navigation through vital maritime chokepoints, such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. Articles 37–44 provide for transit passage, allowing ships to navigate without interference from coastal states, while Articles 19–22 define innocent passage, which restricts activities that could threaten coastal security. This legal framework faces significant challenges due to geopolitical tensions, particularly as nations like Iran assert control over these strategic routes. The ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have highlighted vulnerabilities, impacting global shipping and increasing freight costs. Additionally, advancements in Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) capabilities complicate the enforcement of maritime laws, as hostile actors can create blockades without formal declarations. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) has limited jurisdiction, often leaving disputes unresolved, especially involving non-signatory states like the US. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, proposals for enhanced cooperation and new protocols are essential to address these pressing maritime security challenges.