Strait of Hormuz

Strait of Hormuz Latest News

Naval forces from Iran, Russia and China are set to conduct a joint military exercise in waters around the Strait of Hormuz.

About Strait of Hormuz

• It is a narrow waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, specifically the United Arab Emirates, and Musandam (Oman).
• The Gulf of Oman is on the strait’s east, while the Persian Gulf is on the west. 
• It is the only sea channel linking the oil-rich Persian Gulf (west) with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (southeast).
• Iran is located on the north coast, while the UAE is on the south coast. 
• At its narrowest point, the Strait of Hormuz is only 29 nautical miles wide (54 km). 
• Islands: Some of the islands located in the Strait of Hormuz are Hengam, Hormuz, and Qishm. 
• Significance
  • The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most economically important choke points.
  • About 30% of the world’s liquefied gas and 25% of oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • It serves as a key passage for supertankers transporting oil and gas from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Iran.
  • Most of this energy flows to Asian markets, including China, which remains Iran’s sole significant oil customer.

Source: NIE

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