The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important strategic waterways in the world. Located between Iran and Oman, it connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. At its narrowest point, the strait is only about 33–34 kilometers wide, yet it handles a massive portion of global energy trade. Nearly 20–30% of the world’s oil supply and a significant share of liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments pass through this narrow passage every day. Major oil-exporting countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Iran depend on this route to ship energy to global markets.
Recently, tensions in the region increased after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to threaten blocking the strait. If Iran were to close it, global oil supply chains could be severely disrupted, potentially causing oil prices to surge and triggering worldwide economic consequences.
Countries like India would be particularly affected because a large share of their oil and LNG imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Higher oil prices could lead to increased fuel costs, transportation expenses, and inflation. However, completely closing the strait would also harm Iran’s own exports and could provoke strong international military and economic responses, making a full blockade unlikely but still a serious geopolitical risk.Continue reading…
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