Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz acts as a narrow passage linking the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It stands as the sole maritime route from the Persian Gulf to the wider open ocean and holds immense strategic significance, ranking among the most pivotal choke points globally.

Iran lines the north coast, while the Musandam peninsula, shared by the United Arab Emirates and the Musandam Governorate (an exclave of Oman), borders the south coast. Approximately 90 nautical miles (167 kilometers) in length, the strait varies in width from about 52 nautical miles (96 kilometers) to 21 nautical miles (39 kilometers).

This crucial waterway serves as the conduit for a third of the world's liquefied natural gas and nearly 25% of the world's total oil consumption, underscoring its immense importance as a strategic hub for international trade.