The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway located between Iran to the north and the United Arab Emirates and Oman to the south. This 33-kilometer-wide strait is one of the most critical passageways in the global energy supply chain. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, making it the main maritime route for oil and gas exports from the Gulf region to the rest of the world.
The strait handles about 20% of the world’s daily oil consumption. On average, more than 21 million barrels of oil pass through this narrow channel every day, with key exporters including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran. It is also an essential route for liquefied natural gas, especially from Qatar, one of the world’s top LNG exporters.
The Strait of Hormuz is not only important for economic reasons. It also holds immense military and geopolitical value. The United States, whose Fifth Fleet is based in Bahrain, regularly patrols the area to ensure freedom of navigation. Iran, on the other hand, maintains a strong naval presence through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. The result is a constant state of alert in the region, as both sides closely monitor ship movements and carry out exercises to demonstrate control and readiness.
Over the years, the Strait of Hormuz has been a hotspot for global tensions. Iran has often threatened to close the strait in response to international sanctions or perceived threats to its sovereignty. Such threats have repeatedly caused spikes in global oil prices. While a full closure has never occurred, even the possibility is enough to unsettle global energy markets.
There have been several incidents involving attacks or seizures of oil tankers. In 2019, multiple oil tankers were damaged in suspected mine attacks, raising concerns about maritime security. The United States and its allies have also accused Iran of harassing and seizing foreign ships in and around the strait. These incidents often lead to calls for international naval protection and convoy systems to safeguard commercial shipping.
International law adds another layer to the issue. The Strait of Hormuz is considered international waters under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS. This means that ships from all nations have the right to transit passage. However, Iran does not fully recognize UNCLOS, which has led to disputes about what foreign military vessels can do in the area. This legal gray area makes the strait even more sensitive during times of conflict or diplomatic strain.
If Iran were ever to block or mine the strait, the global consequences could be severe. Oil and gas prices would likely surge, and many countries would face fuel shortages. The United States and its allies view the free flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic interest. In the event of a blockade, a rapid military response would likely be launched to reopen the waterway. Such an operation would involve air and sea power, refueling tankers, surveillance aircraft, and possibly strikes against coastal missile batteries or naval assets.
Despite the dangers, the strait continues to serve as a vital corridor for global energy. Military planners and energy analysts closely watch the area for signs of disruption. The presence of advanced warships, drones, and submarines has turned the strait into one of the most heavily monitored and protected bodies of water in the world.
As long as the world relies on Gulf oil and gas, the Strait of Hormuz will remain a critical point of interest. Any development in the region—whether political, military, or economic—can have immediate ripple effects around the globe. The narrow stretch of water may look small on a map, but its role in global stability is enormous.