<span class="vcard">Rob McLaughlin</span>

Rob McLaughlin

Guest Author

Rob McLaughlin is Professor of International Law at the University of Wollongong, Honorary Professor of Law at the Australian National University, and a non-resident Senior Fellow at the US Naval War College’s Stockton Centre for International Law. He previously served in the Royal Australian Navy as a warfare officer and a legal officer, achieving the rank of Commodore, and as the Head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s Global Maritime Crime Programme.

Articles by this author:

The Marinera oil tanker is seen on January 14, 2026 in Hopeman, Scotland. The Marinera oil tanker, previously known as the Bella 1, has entered UK waters at the request of the US to be replenished with "essential supplies." The Russian-flagged tanker was seized by US forces on 7 January 2026, between Iceland and Scotland, for allegedly violating sanctions by transporting oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran. (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)
Two crude oil tankers
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt answers questions during a press briefing

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