You appear to be confused about maritime law. Iran hasn't ratified the UNCLOS or agreed to follow its terms so their territorial waters extend only 3 NM from their shores. Iran has been attacking neutral vessels well outside that limit.

Of course in the real world law takes a back seat to force.

Was the swipe suggesting that I'm confused (I'm not) really necessary?

> their territorial waters extend only 3 NM from their shores

Do you suppose their current government would agree with that statement? Personally I rather doubt they would.

But even if they did, as you say law often takes a back seat to force in these matters meaning that they could just as well say "yeah you're right but we're at war so get bent".