The Concept of Legal Entitlement in the Jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice on Continental Shelf Disputes with Emphasis on Iran’s Rights
Keywords:
Entitlement, Property Rights, International Court of Justice, Continental Shelf Disputes, Principles of Equity, Iranian Maritime LawAbstract
The concept of being entitled in the jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding continental shelf disputes essentially refers to the existence of a legitimate and specific right of a state, which, according to the principles of international law, pertains to a defined geographical area and maritime interests. In the Court’s decisions, states’ rights over the continental shelf—particularly within the 200-nautical-mile limit—are recognized as rights that cannot be extended indefinitely to the detriment of neighboring states. The ICJ has affirmed that states’ claims over the continental shelf must be based on provable legal and scientific principles and standards, and that a state’s rights cannot infringe upon the equivalent rights of other states in marine areas. Using a descriptive-analytical method, the author concludes that in cases related to Iran’s continental shelf, the International Court of Justice has acknowledged Iran’s right to delimit its continental shelf up to 200 nautical miles and has emphasized that any extension beyond this limit must be consistent with the rights of other states. In its rulings, the Court has also treated the concept of entitlement as a legal right—not merely a political or technical claim—and has considered the existence of a legal dispute between states as a prerequisite for examining its jurisdiction. In this regard, the Court has underscored that the concept of entitlement must be grounded in scientific evidence, customary law, and international practice, and must be combined with the principle of good faith and mutual respect for the rights of other states. Concerning the legal dimension of the entitlement concept, the Court has contributed to the preservation and assurance of the rights of states such as Iran in determining the boundaries of their continental shelf through dynamic interpretation and the application of international legal principles. The concept of entitlement in continental shelf cases represents a combination of legal rights, scientific criteria, and the requirements of good faith, which has been clarified and affirmed in the jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice for the resolution of maritime boundary disputes, including Iran’s maritime rights.
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