Strait of Hormuz Importance
News Kashmir Analysis
Strait of Hormoz is highly important for global oil supplies and other trades, nearly 20 percent of world oil goes through this strait.
According to Wikipedia, it is a strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and is one of the world’s most strategically important choke points. It has been so for centuries, with vast hinterlands rich in luxury trade goods, but no easy access to lucrative trading ports. In his memoirs, Babur, the first king of the Mughal Empire, recounted how almonds had to be carried from the distant Ferghana region in Central Asia to Hormuz to reach markets.
It has hogged world limelight due to ongoing war between Iran and USA,Israel.
Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has broken his silence days after he succeeded his slain father. In a message a news anchor read on state television, Khamenei said that the crucial Strait of Hormuz should remain closed and that Iran will continue attacks on its Persian Gulf neighbors.
News media have reported that
Drones, cruise missiles and fighter jets have become a common sight for many sailors stranded on oil tankers and freight ships in the Gulf, after Iran threatened to open fire on any vessels trying to cross the Strait of Hormuz, in response to US-Israeli attacks.
Amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf and concerns over maritime security, Iran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali signalled that India could receive safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
Speaking to reporters, the envoy suggested that developments ensuring India’s access through the strategic waterway could emerge soon.
“Yes, because India is our friend. You will see it within two or three hours,” Fathali said when asked whether India would receive safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Without doubt Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy chokepoint, with approximately 20% of the world’s daily oil supply and one-third of global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) passing through this 33-km-wide waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. It is vital for shipping oil from major producers like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE to international markets. Disruptions can cause immediate global energy price spikes and significant economic disruption.
Key Strategic Importance:
Energy Supply: About 20 million barrels of oil transit the strait daily, representing a significant portion of the global consumption.
Global Economy: A blockade or disruption could result in soaring oil prices, affecting international trade, manufacturing, and transportation.
One hopes war ends soon and this strait is again fully open without threats for global exports .
