Source: FP
Subject: Mapping
Context: Iran temporarily shut parts of the Strait of Hormuz to conduct live-fire military drills named “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz.”
- This rare move coincided with indirect nuclear talks in Geneva and served as a strategic signal to the U.S. amid escalating regional tensions.
About Strait of Hormuz:
What it is?
- The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most vital oil transit chokepoint. It is a narrow maritime passage that serves as the only sea exit for the Persian Gulf, linking it to the Gulf of Oman and the open ocean.
Located In: It is situated in the Middle East, separating the northern coast of Iran from the Arabian Peninsula.
- Links the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean through the Gulf of Oman.
Neighbouring Nations:
- Iran: Controls the northern coastline and several strategic islands (Qeshm, Hormuz, Larak).
- Oman: Controls the southern coast via the Musandam Peninsula exclave.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): Located to the south and west; home to major ports like Fujairah.
Key Geographical Features:
- Dimensions: Approximately 167 km long and only 33 km wide at its narrowest point (between Iran and the Musandam Peninsula).
- Shipping Lanes: Due to shallow waters near the coast, tankers must use two 3-km wide shipping lanes (one inbound, one outbound) separated by a 2-km buffer zone.
- Strategic Islands: Iran maintains a heavy military presence on islands like Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, which allow for de facto control over the shipping channels.
- Bathymetry: The water is deep enough (60–100 meters) to handle the world’s largest VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carriers), making it irreplaceable for bulk energy transport.
Significance:
- Roughly 20% of the world’s total petroleum liquids and 20% of global LNG pass through the strait daily—amounting to approximately 20 million barrels of oil.
- Any closure or even a slowdown in traffic spikes global oil prices and shipping insurance premiums instantly.
