Strait of Hormuz

1. Recently, naval forces from Iran, Russia, and China announced a joint military exercise in waters near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes.
2. Geographical Location:
   1. A narrow waterway between Iran (North) and Arabian Peninsula (South – UAE and Oman).
   2. It connects the Persian Gulf (West) to the Gulf of Oman (East), which further opens into the Arabian Sea.
3. Physical Characteristics
   1. At its narrowest point, the strait is only 29 nautical miles (about 54 km) wide.
   2. Despite its small width, it handles massive global shipping traffic.
4. Important Islands in the Strait: Hengam, Hormuz and Qishm. These islands lie within or near the strait and have strategic value.
5. Significance of Strait of Hormuz:
   1. It is considered one of the world’s most critical maritime choke points.
      1. A choke point is a narrow route through which large volumes of trade must pass.
   2. Energy Transit Hub: Approximately 25% of the world’s oil supply and nearly 30% of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes through this narrow waterway.
   3. Large supertankers carry the energy supply from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE and Iran to global markets via this passage.
   4. The strait is central to Asian energy security as most of the oil and gas flows towards Asian Economies, especially China.

FAQs

Q1. Where is the Strait of Hormuz located? 

It lies between Iran (north) and the Arabian Peninsula (south – UAE and Oman), connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.

Q2. How wide is the Strait of Hormuz at its narrowest point? 

Only about 29 nautical miles (54 km).

Q3. Why is the Strait of Hormuz strategically important? 

It is one of the world’s most critical maritime choke points, handling massive global energy shipments.

Q4. What percentage of global energy passes through the Strait of Hormuz? 

Around 25% of the world’s oil and nearly 30% of global LNG.

Q5. Which islands are located in or near the Strait of Hormuz? 

Hengam, Hormuz, and Qishm — all of which hold strategic value.