Location
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage situated between Iran to the north and the Arabian Peninsula to the south, particularly the United Arab Emirates and the Musandam Peninsula of Oman.
It connects the Persian Gulf in the west with the Gulf of Oman in the east, which further opens into the Arabian Sea.
At its narrowest point, the strait is approximately 29 nautical miles wide, making it one of the most critical maritime chokepoints in the world..Important islands in and around the strait include Hengam, Hormuz and Qishm.
Geographical Significance
- It is the only sea route linking the oil-rich Persian Gulf to the open ocean.
- All maritime exports of crude oil and liquefied natural gas from Gulf countries must pass through this narrow channel.
- It lies at the intersection of West Asia’s energy corridors and global shipping routes.
Strategic and Economic Importance
The Strait of Hormuz is regarded as one of the most significant energy chokepoints globally.
- Around one-fourth of global oil trade transits through the strait.
- Nearly one-third of the world’s liquefied natural gas shipments also pass through this route.
Major energy exporters such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE and Iran rely on this passage for transporting oil and gas to global markets.
A substantial share of these exports is directed towards Asian economies, including China, India, Japan and South Korea.
Geopolitical Relevance
Due to its narrow width and heavy traffic, the strait is vulnerable to disruption during regional tensions.
Any blockade, military confrontation or disruption in the Strait of Hormuz can lead to:
- Sharp fluctuations in global oil prices
- Supply chain instability
- Heightened maritime security concerns
Its strategic location makes it central to the security calculations of regional and global powers.
Conclusion
The Strait of Hormuz is not merely a geographic feature but a strategic maritime artery vital to global energy security..Its location between the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, combined with the concentration of hydrocarbon exports, ensures that developments in this region have far-reaching economic and geopolitical consequences.
