Strait of Hormuz
Background
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and, beyond that, the open ocean. It lies between the northern coast of Iran and the southern Musandam Peninsula, which is part of Oman, with a small section of the peninsula’s southwest under the United Arab Emirates. The strait is about 104 miles long and varies in width from roughly 60 miles to 24 miles.
Its significance comes from its role as the only sea exit from the Persian Gulf, making it one of the world’s most important strategic chokepoints. A large share of international energy trade passes through it, including oil and liquefied natural gas shipments from Gulf producers to markets in Europe and Asia. It is also the only maritime route for several Gulf states, including Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, so any disruption can quickly affect regional supply and prices.
The strait has long been central to security planning in the Middle East because of the possibility that it could be threatened during periods of conflict. Although it has not traditionally been closed for long periods, Iran has at times threatened to shut it and has prepared to mine the waterway. In recent years it has remained a major focus of international energy and security concerns, including during the 2026 Iran war, when it became the center of the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
Timeline
The Strait of Hormuz was cited as a critical chokepoint through which Middle East tensions could disrupt global oil and gas supplies.
Meeting on the Situation on the Global Oil and Gas Market
Documents
Meeting on the Situation on the Global Oil and Gas Market
Putin said the Middle East conflict is disrupting oil and gas markets, urged Russian firms to redirect exports from Europe, and told the government and central bank to monitor debt reduction.