The Strait of Hormuz has been a big role recently as the war in Iran continues. This strait of water which is only 31 miles wide at its entrance and exit is the route for 20 per cent of the world’s oil and oil products. The strait is also one of the world’s most protected waterways with the United States Navy and allied forces regularly patrolling to protect commercial ships; it also connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. According to the EIA (US energy information administration), in 2025 around 20 million barrels of oil passed through Hormuz per day. That’s around $600 billion worth of energy trade per year.
CNN says that “The health of the US economy depends on the Strait of Hormuz.” On March 21st President Trump told Iran that they had 48 hours to open the Strait before the US strikes Iran’s power plants, as of April 7th a ceasefire has been agreed, with this in order oil prices drop by 15% shortly after the ceasefire. Even with the ceasefire tensions still rose as many ships were stuck not being able to transit through, however as of April 27th Iran offered to end the blockade in exchange for the United States to lift their blockade on Iran. As of May 5th the United States has blockaded all ships entering or departing Iranian ports, however US central control have said US forces will not impede vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
