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Politics & World • Geography

Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage between Iran and Oman that links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage between Iran and Oman that links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is the only sea route from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints.

Geography

The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman and connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is roughly 104 miles long and narrows to about 21 miles at its tightest point.

Strategic importance

The strait is a critical route for petroleum and LNG exports from Gulf states. Because there are few practical alternatives for moving these exports by sea, any disruption can have major global economic effects.

Commercial traffic through the strait follows designated shipping lanes, and transit passage is protected under international maritime law. The narrow channels make navigation highly sensitive to tension or obstruction.

Political significance

The strait is a recurring flashpoint in regional and international disputes, especially involving Iran, Gulf states, and outside powers dependent on Gulf energy shipments.

Key facts

  • It is the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.
  • The strait is a major route for global oil and liquefied natural gas trade.
  • Its narrow width makes it a strategic maritime chokepoint.
  • Most shipping lanes through the strait lie in or near Omani waters.
  • Disruption to the strait can affect energy supplies in Europe and Asia.
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Canadian context

The Strait of Hormuz matters to Canadian readers because disruptions can affect global energy prices, shipping costs, and broader economic stability in Canada through international oil and trade markets.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Strait of Hormuz located?
It is between Iran and Oman, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
It is the only sea outlet from the Persian Gulf and a major route for global oil and LNG shipments.
How wide is the Strait of Hormuz?
It is about 21 miles (33 km) wide at its narrowest point.
How long is the Strait of Hormuz?
It is about 104 miles (167 km) long.
Why is it called a chokepoint?
Because large volumes of energy trade pass through a narrow, strategically vulnerable waterway with few alternatives.
Which countries border the strait?
Iran borders it to the north, while Oman and the United Arab Emirates border its southern approaches.

References

  1. Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/what-is-strait-hormuz-why-is-it-so-important-oil-2026-04-17/
    Supports: Location, dimensions, strategic importance, and international maritime transit passage
  2. U.S. Energy Information Administration — https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=65504
    Supports: Location, role as an oil chokepoint, and limited alternative routes
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz
    Supports: Geography, connecting waters, and maritime importance
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strait_of_Hormuz
    Supports: General geography and transit significance
  5. The University of Texas at Austin, Strauss Center — https://www.strausscenter.org/strait-of-hormuz-geography/
    Supports: Geography, width, and traffic separation scheme