Strait of Hormuz

Syllabus

Prelims – Current event of International importance

Mains – GS I – Geography

Why in News?

Iran has showcased new missile systems on 3 strategic islands (Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa) near the Gulf's Strait of Hormuz, claiming the ability to strike enemy bases, vessels, and assets.

• It is a tiny strip of water located between the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Iran.
• It is in the territorial waters of Iran and Oman.
• It is 33 km wide at its narrowest point, with the shipping lane just 3 km wide in either direction.
• It flows into the Gulf of Oman, where ships can then travel to the rest of the world.
• It connects Gulf countries like Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia to the Arabian sea beyond.

• Strategic Importance – The Strait of Hormuz transmits about 30% of global liquefied gas and 25% of oil.
• OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, Kuwait and Iraq export most of their crude via the Strait.
• Qatar, the world's biggest liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter, sends almost all of its LNG through the Strait.

Reference

The Defense Post | Strait of Hormuz