[throwaway27448]

Straits have always been points of local control. This isn't new. We will have to pay if we want to play. For all people bluster about the US being exempt, I don't see what leverage we can use that isn't more expensive than just paying up. Marinetime law is only as meaningful as can be enforced.

[nradov]

Bullshit. The right of innocent passage has long applied to straits. But as a practical matter very few US flagged merchant vessels even go through there, so if anyone actually pays it's going to be someone else.

[throwaway27448]

> The right of innocent passage has long applied to straits.

Not even for one hundred years: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreux_Convention_Regarding_...

In any case, the cost will be passed on to the markets. Which country claims the vessel doesn't matter much.