The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important narrow waterway located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, connecting the Middle Eastern oil-producing countries to the rest of the world. Here are some key points:
- Geography: The strait is approximately 21 nautical miles wide at its narrowest point. It is flanked by Iran to the north and Oman, including its enclave of Musandam Peninsula, to the south.
- Strategic Importance: It is one of the world's most critical chokepoints for oil transport. About 20% of the world's oil supply, and nearly 40% of the oil traded by sea, passes through this strait. Its significance lies in its role in global energy security.
- History:
- The Strait of Hormuz has been a vital trade route for millennia, serving as a passage for trade between the East and the West since ancient times.
- In more recent history, the strait has been a focal point during various geopolitical tensions:
- Modern Challenges:
- The strait has seen frequent threats of closure due to geopolitical tensions, particularly between Iran and the international community, including the U.S. and its allies.
- Piracy, especially from the Somali piracy extending into the Gulf of Aden, has also been a concern, although less directly related to the strait itself.
- Control and Security:
- Economic Impact: Any disruption in the flow of oil through the strait can lead to significant spikes in global oil prices, affecting economies worldwide.
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