CURRENT AFFAIRS | 31 MARCH 2026
CLAT GK + INTERNATIONAL LAW & GEOGRAPHY
As the Iran-US conflict enters Day 31, President Trump has threatened “complete obliteration” of Iran’s energy infrastructure if a deal is not reached “shortly.” The targets include oil wells, Kharg Island (Iran’s main oil export terminal), desalination plants, and electrical generating plants. Egypt has warned at the Energy Show Cairo 2026 that oil prices could cross $200/barrel — a scenario that would devastate the global economy.
Key Developments
- Trump’s threat: “Complete obliteration” of Iran’s energy infrastructure — oil wells, Kharg Island, desalination plants, electrical generating plants.
- Kharg Island: Iran’s primary oil export terminal, handling approximately 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports. Already targeted by US military.
- Iran’s response: Iran has fired missiles at Israel in retaliation.
- Oil price warning: Egypt warns prices could cross $200/barrel at Energy Show Cairo 2026.
- Strait of Hormuz: 20% of the world’s oil passes through this chokepoint — any escalation here would trigger a global energy crisis.
- Spain: Closed airspace to US aircraft involved in the conflict.
- Lebanon: Political tensions escalating as a result of the regional conflict.
International Law & Constitutional Framework
- UN Charter, Article 2(4): Prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Trump’s threat of “complete obliteration” directly engages this provision.
- UN Charter, Article 51: Recognizes the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs — but only until the Security Council takes measures.
- UN Charter, Chapter VII: Only the Security Council can authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.
- Geneva Conventions: Targeting civilian infrastructure (desalination plants, electrical plants) may violate the principle of distinction between civilian and military objects.
- UNCLOS: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea — governs freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Indian Constitution, Article 51 (DPSP): Directs the State to promote international peace and security, and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.
- Article 253: Empowers Parliament to make any law for implementing any treaty, agreement, or convention with any other country.
Why This Matters for CLAT 2027
- GK Section: Geography questions on Strait of Hormuz (20% of world oil), Kharg Island, and the geopolitics of West Asia. Also expect questions on India’s oil import dependence.
- Legal Reasoning: Just war doctrine, proportionality in armed conflict, distinction between civilian and military targets under Geneva Conventions.
- International Law: UN Charter Art. 2(4) vs. Art. 51 (prohibition of force vs. self-defence), Chapter VII collective security, UNCLOS freedom of navigation.
- Passage-Based: Expect passages on the ethics of targeting civilian infrastructure, economic warfare, and proportionality under international humanitarian law.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Conflict Day | Day 31 of Iran-US War |
| Trump’s Threat | “Complete obliteration” of energy infrastructure |
| Targets | Oil wells, Kharg Island, desalination & power plants |
| Kharg Island | Iran’s main oil export terminal (~90% of exports) |
| Strait of Hormuz | 20% of world’s oil transits here |
| Oil Price Warning | Could cross $200/barrel (Egypt, Cairo 2026) |
| UN Charter | Art. 2(4) (no force) vs. Art. 51 (self-defence) |
| Indian Constitution | Art. 51 (international peace), Art. 253 (treaty implementation) |
Mnemonic: KHARG
- K — Kharg Island (Iran’s oil export terminal)
- H — Hormuz Strait (20% of world oil)
- A — Article 2(4) UN Charter (prohibition of force)
- R — Right of self-defence (Art. 51 UN Charter)
- G — Geneva Conventions (civilian infrastructure protection)
Practice Quiz
Practice Quiz — 10 CLAT-Style Questions
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