Where is the Strait of Hormuz?
Following the US attack on three Iranian nuclear facilities alongside Israel, the possibility of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz has come to the fore. The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 30% of global oil exports pass, holds great importance both economically and strategically. So, where exactly is the Strait of Hormuz located? Has there been any closure in the region, and why is this strait so critical? Here is what you need to know about the Strait of Hormuz...
12punto
Following the US involvement in the war against Iran alongside Israel, the location and importance of the Strait of Hormuz have become a subject of debate once again.
This strategic strait, which is the transit point for approximately one-third of seaborne crude oil, plays a vital role in the oil and condensate shipments of Middle Eastern producers, particularly Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. So, where is the Strait of Hormuz located? Has there been a closure in the region, and what would be the consequences if it were to happen? Here are all the details regarding the importance of the Strait of Hormuz...
WHERE IS THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ?
The Strait of Hormuz is located between the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. The northern coast of the strait belongs to Iran, while the southern coast belongs to Oman. This passage, which has a width of approximately 38.9 kilometers, carries 40% of Middle Eastern oil; in particular, about half of the oil destined for the US, Western Europe, and China is shipped via vessels passing through here.
HAS THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ BEEN CLOSED?
Ismail Kowsari, a member of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee, announced that the Parliament has taken a decision to close the Strait of Hormuz, but that the final decision rests with the Supreme National Security Council.
Speaking to Iranian media, Kowsari said that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is on their agenda and that this step will be taken whenever it is deemed necessary.
Kowsari also stated that the issue of withdrawing from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is also in the discussion phase, but that negotiations between the relevant authorities are ongoing before a decision is made on this matter.
Kowsari stated, “The Parliament has taken a decision that the Strait of Hormuz should be closed, but the final decision is under the authority of the Supreme National Security Council.”
The Strait of Hormuz is an important transit point between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Because oil collected from various ports in the Persian Gulf is transported to world markets via tankers passing through this strait, the region is of great importance both strategically and economically.