Iran and the Strait the World Can’t Ignore
Iran and the Strait the World Can’t Ignore
US · Published Mar 3, 2026
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint, handling over a quarter of global seaborne oil trade.
Iran's location near the Strait makes it central to global energy and maritime security planning.
Disruptions in the Strait can have significant repercussions on global energy supplies and prices.
Iran's role in global energy security
Iran's strategic location adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz underscores its pivotal role in global energy security and maritime affairs. As one of the world's most vital maritime chokepoints, the Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical artery for the transport of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2024 and early 2025, over a quarter of the world's seaborne oil trade and approximately one-fifth of global oil and petroleum product consumption passed through this narrow waterway. Additionally, about one-fifth of the global LNG trade relies on transit through the Strait.
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