Strait of Hormuz: Chokepoint of Global Energy and Center of Geopolitical Tension

What and Where is the Strait of Hormuz?

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow stretch of water located between Iran and Oman. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Although it is only about 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, it is one of the most important shipping lanes in the world. Every day, over 20 million barrels of oil pass through it. This makes up nearly 20% of the world’s daily oil supply. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait depend on this strait to export their oil and gas.

Because of its importance to the global oil market, any threat to block or close the Strait of Hormuz can cause serious problems for the whole world. This is why the strait has become a major focus in global politics and military planning.

Why the Strait is So Important

Most of the oil from the Gulf region must pass through the Strait of Hormuz before it can reach places like Asia, Europe, and North America. There are a few oil pipelines that bypass the strait, like the one from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in the UAE, and another from Saudi Arabia to the Red Sea, but they cannot carry all the oil from the region. This means that if the strait is blocked, oil shipments would slow down or stop, and oil prices would go up around the world.

The strait is not just important for oil. It is also used for shipping liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other goods. If this waterway is blocked, many countries would face fuel shortages and economic problems.

Iran’s Role and Threats

Iran controls the northern side of the Strait of Hormuz and has often used it as a political and military tool. In the past, Iran has threatened to block the strait when under pressure from the United States or other Western countries. These threats usually come when Iran is unhappy with economic sanctions or military actions against its nuclear program.

In June 2025, tensions rose sharply. Reports said that the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. In response, Iran’s parliament voted on a proposal to close the Strait of Hormuz to ships from “enemy countries.” While this proposal still needs approval from Iran’s top leaders, it shows that Iran is serious about using the strait to respond to foreign attacks.

How Iran Could Block the Strait

Iran has many ways to disrupt or block the Strait of Hormuz. It has a large number of naval mines that could be placed in the water to stop ships. It also has fast attack boats, drones, and missile systems that could attack oil tankers or navy ships. In the past, Iran has used these methods in smaller attacks, like during the 2019 incidents when several oil tankers were damaged in the Gulf.

However, completely closing the strait would also hurt Iran. Iran exports its own oil through the same waterway. Blocking the strait would stop Iran’s oil sales and hurt its economy. This is why Iran usually uses the threat of closing the strait as a warning, rather than actually doing it.

What the World is Doing

The United States, along with other countries like the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, has increased its military presence in the region to protect the waterway. The U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, carries out regular patrols in the Gulf. A group called the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) has also been formed to help protect commercial ships.

Other countries, like France, India, and Japan, have shown concern and are encouraging peaceful solutions. China, which imports a lot of oil from the Gulf, has asked all sides to avoid war. Russia has not said much but continues to support Iran in many areas. These countries know that a war in the Strait of Hormuz would cause serious problems for their economies too.

What Happens if the Strait is Closed?

If the Strait of Hormuz is blocked, the effects would be felt all over the world. Oil prices would rise quickly. Some experts think the price of oil could go above $150 per barrel. This would make fuel more expensive, and it could increase the cost of many other goods. Insurance companies would raise the price for ships to travel in the Gulf, and shipping companies might avoid the area altogether.

Countries that rely heavily on Gulf oil, like India, Japan, South Korea, and China, would face shortages. This could cause factories to slow down, transportation costs to rise, and overall inflation to grow.

At the same time, Iran would also lose important income from its oil exports, which it badly needs to support its economy. So while closing the strait may seem like a powerful move, it could backfire on Iran too.

Could This Lead to War?

There is a real risk that if Iran tries to block the Strait of Hormuz, it could lead to a military conflict. The United States has said many times that it will not allow the strait to be closed. If Iran takes strong action, the U.S. and its allies might respond with military force. This could lead to a wider war in the Middle East.

That’s why diplomats from countries like Qatar, Oman, and Switzerland are trying to calm the situation. They are helping with secret talks between the U.S. and Iran. The goal is to avoid war and keep the strait open.

Final Thoughts

The Strait of Hormuz may look small on a map, but its impact is huge. It is a lifeline for global energy, and any trouble there affects the whole world. Right now, in mid-2025, the situation is tense. Iran is angry about attacks on its nuclear sites, and the U.S. is preparing to protect shipping in the region. Both sides know that a mistake or a small attack could quickly grow into a big war.

This is not just about oil. It is about power, politics, and peace. What happens in the Strait of Hormuz over the next few weeks could shape the future of the Middle East, and the global economy, for years to come.