The Strait of Hormuz is the only sea route leading into the Persian Gulf. This narrow passage lies between Iran on one side and Oman and the United Arab Emirates on the other. Stretching just 39 kilometers, the strait connects Persian Gulf countries to the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean.
According to data from the U.S. Energy Department, about 20 percent of the world’s oil, nearly 17 million barrels per day, pass through this crucial waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is recognized as the most important point for global oil supply. Yet, its narrow width makes it vulnerable to threats, attacks, or blockades that could disrupt shipping at any time.
During the Iran-Iraq war from 1980 to 1988, many lives were lost on both sides. Commercial ships in the Gulf were attacked, leading to what became known as the “Tanker War.” Despite this, the Strait of Hormuz was never fully closed.
In 2019, four ships near the UAE’s Fujairah coast were targeted during a spike in tension between Iran and the United States. Such conflicts often focus on critical shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
Since the war began in Gaza, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have attacked ships at the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on the opposite side of the region, along the Red Sea. These attacks have severely harmed global trade, blocking ships from passing through the Red Sea toward Africa.
If ships cannot use the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf countries’ vessels cannot reach the Arabian Sea. This would create major problems for Gulf states that import petroleum. Should the strait close for any reason, global oil supply chains would be disrupted, causing sharp rises in oil prices worldwide.
Recently, amid the conflict between Israel and Iran, Tehran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz. Such a move would have a global impact, affecting not only U.S. trade but also everyday consumers who rely on stable energy prices.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical point for global commerce. Any disruption there could ripple through world markets, affecting millions beyond the region.
