WORLD
What is the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz? Which country controls the area?
The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, is a vital global oil chokepoint that has become a major flashpoint between Iran and the United States.
On Saturday, Iranian forces seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz, likely in retaliation for a recent Israeli strike on Iranian personnel in Syria. Now, with missiles heading towards Israel late on Saturday night, the strait is again a crucial geographical location.
The strait is a critical waterway for global oil supplies, and there have been ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States in the region, which has led to concerns about the security of the strait.
These tensions have resulted in several incidents, including the seizure of ships and attacks on oil tankers.
Why the Strait of Hormuz is so important
Around 30% of the world’s seaborne oil travels through the Strait, making it critical for the global economy. A closure or restriction on sea travel would be very damaging for the global economy.
The 1980s Iran-Iraq War witnessed threats from both sides to close the Strait, highlighting its vulnerability during regional conflicts. The US presence in the Persian Gulf to safeguard oil supplies also became a point of contention with Iran.
The strait is considered an international strait under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. This means all countries have the right of innocent passage through the waterway.
However, Iran maintains significant military power in the region and could disrupt shipping through the Strait if it chose to. This has been evidenced with the Iranian boarding of certain ships during times of diplomatic pressure.