The Strait of Hormuz — World’s most important oil artery

Amidst rising Iran-Israel hostilities, the strait, a narrow maritime chokepoint nestled between Iran and Oman, has re-emerged as a geopolitical flashpoint with far-reaching implications

In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Israel launched coordinated strikes on June 13, 2025, targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile production sites and key military commanders. This operation, as described by Israeli authorities, marks the commencement of a prolonged campaign aimed at neutralising what Tel Aviv alleges are Tehran’s ambitions to develop atomic weapons—an accusation that Iran has consistently denied.

Amidst rising hostilities, the Strait of Hormuz—a narrow maritime chokepoint nestled between Iran and Oman—has re-emerged as a geopolitical flashpoint with far-reaching implications. The strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, and at its narrowest point, spans just 21 miles (33 kilometers), with only 2-mile-wide shipping lanes in either direction. Despite its limited breadth, its strategic value is enormous.

Why the strait matters

Roughly 20% of the world’s oil consumption—equating to 17.8 to 20.8 million barrels per day of crude oil, condensates, and fuels—flows through this narrow passage, as per recent data from energy analytics firm Vortexa. Major OPEC producers including Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, Kuwait and Iraq heavily depend on this route for exporting their oil, particularly to Asian markets. Moreover, Qatar, one of the globe's foremost liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters, relies almost entirely on the Strait of Hormuz for maritime LNG shipments.

While the UAE and Saudi Arabia have developed alternate pipeline routes to bypass Hormuz, their combined spare capacity stands at approximately 2.6 million barrels per day, leaving the majority of exports vulnerable to disruptions in the strait. This underscores the global reliance on uninterrupted navigation through Hormuz and why any threat to its stability can trigger volatility in global energy markets and inflationary pressures worldwide.

Historical context of conflict

The strategic sensitivity of the strait is not new. The 1973 oil embargo led by Arab nations in response to Western support for Israel during the Yom Kippur War highlighted the leverage that oil-producing states hold over global politics. Since then, several events have contributed to the region’s volatile security climate:

1980–88 Iran-Iraq War: Both nations engaged in the “Tanker War,” targeting oil shipments to disrupt each other’s economies.

1988: A US warship downed an Iranian passenger jet, killing 290 people, exacerbating regional animosity.

2012: Iran threatened to close the strait in response to sanctions.

2019: Four vessels, including Saudi tankers, were attacked near the UAE coast.

2021: An Israeli-managed oil tanker was attacked off Oman, with Israel blaming Iran.

2023–24: Iran seized three commercial vessels near the strait.

June 17, 2025: Two oil tankers collided and caught fire amid surging electronic interference—a sign of technological warfare escalating in the region.

Although Iran has issued threats to close the strait multiple times, it has never fully acted on those threats, partly due to the presence of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain. The fleet serves as a stabilising force, tasked with ensuring the security of international shipping lanes in this strategically vital region.

Broader implications

The Israel-Iran confrontation now threatens to disrupt one of the most critical arteries of the global energy supply chain. Any significant blockage of the Strait of Hormuz could result in skyrocketing oil prices, economic disruptions, and heightened military engagement from global powers. Additionally, the situation further underscores the vulnerability of international energy markets to regional conflicts, prompting a renewed discourse on energy diversification, maritime security, and the resilience of global supply chains.

Civil Services Examination practice questions

Short answer type

1. Why is the Strait of Hormuz considered a global strategic chokepoint?
2. What role does the US Fifth Fleet play in the Strait of Hormuz?
3. Which OPEC countries are most reliant on the Strait of Hormuz for oil exports?

Long answer type

1. Discuss the significance of the Strait of Hormuz in global energy security. How could regional conflicts affect this maritime route?
2. Evaluate the historical developments that have shaped tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, with special reference to the Iran-Israel conflict.

Analytical/essay type:

1. “The Strait of Hormuz is not just a geographical passage but a theatre of geopolitical contestation.” In light of recent developments, critically analyse this statement.
2. Examine the implications of Iran-Israel tensions on the stability of global oil markets, with particular reference to strategic maritime infrastructure.
3. Analyse how technological disruptions and cyber-interference may play a role in future maritime conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz.