Strait of Hormuz crisis 2025 intensifies as Iran threatens closure amid Middle East tensions. Learn how this critical oil chokepoint impacts global energy supply and India’s oil strategy.
The Strait of Hormuz: The World’s Most Critical Oil Chokepoint
Overview of the Strait
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically vital waterway that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Spanning about 167 km in length and narrowing to just 33 km (roughly 21 miles) at its slimmest point, this chokepoint is bordered by Iran to the north and Oman and the UAE to the south
Strategic and Economic Significance
An estimated 20 million barrels of crude oil pass through Hormuz daily—representing approximately 20% of global oil consumption and more than 25% of seaborne crude shipments Besides oil, about one-fifth of global LNG trade is also channelled via this passageThe strait’s narrow navigable lanes, each just ~3 km wide, make any disruption particularly dangerous
Recent Escalations and Threats
Amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran in June 2025, Iran’s parliament approved a motion contemplating the closure of the strait. Though final authority rests with Iran’s Supreme Leader and National Security Council, this move has sent shockwaves through markets The situation worsened after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear targets, escalating fears of maritime confrontation
Global Market and Security Implications
Brent futures surged from around $69 to $74 per barrel in mid-June, driven by worries over Hormuz-based chokepoint disruption Shell’s CEO confirmed increased caution in routing, highlighting the region’s unstable navigation environment and electronic interference risks Meanwhile, Indian authorities are proactively planning to diversify energy imports from West Africa to guard against supply disruptions
Environmental and Naval Risks
The region also faces safety threats. A spill from a collision involving two tankers near the strait caused a ~1,500-hectare pollution zone, raising alarms about ecological vulnerabilities Militarily, Iran’s access-denial strategies include laying mines—of which it reportedly has some 6,000—and deploying fast attack craft and missiles These tactics build upon historical precedents such as the 1980s “Tanker War,” and repeated threats from Iran to wield Hormuz as a retaliatory instrument .
Why This News Matters
Strategic Exam Relevance
For aspirants of UPSC, state PSCs, SSC, banking, railway, police, defence, and teaching roles, understanding Hormuz’s relevance is vital—this chokepoint is tied into global energy economics, maritime security, international law, and geopolitical strategy, all of which appear regularly in current affairs sections of these exams.
Link to Syllabus Themes
Topics such as international relations, India’s energy security, and global economic impacts of crises are integral to government exam syllabi. Hormuz encapsulates these themes: from Iran–USA dynamics to risk mitigation via alternative supply chains like India’s West African imports.
Multi-Dimensional Importance
Hormuz is not just a geopolitics issue—it resonates across economics (oil price volatility), environment (spill risks), and defence (mining threats, naval deployments). These interconnected dimensions sharpen analytical skills necessary for essay and interview rounds.
Historical Context: A Legacy of Tension
Tanker War (1980–1988)
During the Iran–Iraq war, Iran targeted oil tankers in the Gulf, provoking U.S. naval intervention with Operation Praying Mantis (1988) and other operations. The U.S. Navy was deployed to keep shipping lanes open
1988 Downing of Iran Air Flight 655
Amidst heightened hostilities, the USS Vincennes tragically shot down Iran Air Flight 655 over the strait, killing 290 civilians—a pivotal and controversial moment underscoring the area’s volatility
2011–2012 Dispute
In 2011, Iran threatened closure if faced Western sanctions. This led to a multinational naval deployment to deter Iran, underlining the international community’s determination to protect open sea lanes
Ongoing Mine Threat & Naval Posturing
Iran’s anti-access strategies today remain formidable—with a vast naval mine arsenal and fast-attack boats aimed at deterring foreign warships from intervening in Hormuz
Key Takeaways from “Strait of Hormuz Crisis”
| No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Approximately 20 million barrels of oil/day (20% of global consumption) transit through Hormuz. |
| 2️⃣ | June 2025: Iran’s parliament approved potential closure, pending Supreme Leader’s decision. |
| 3️⃣ | Oil prices spiked ~7% mid-June; Brent jumped from $69 to ~$74. |
| 4️⃣ | Alternative routes exist (pipelines via Saudi Arabia and UAE), but cannot fully substitute Hormuz. |
| 5️⃣ | Iran employs mine warfare & fast-attack vessels as part of strategic denial over the strait. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it important?
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It is vital for global energy transport, with nearly 20% of the world’s oil passing through it daily.
2. Which countries border the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran lies to the north of the strait, while Oman and the United Arab Emirates lie to the south.
3. Why has the Strait of Hormuz been in the news recently?
Due to rising geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel in mid-2025, Iran’s parliament discussed a possible closure of the strait, which led to spikes in global oil prices.
4. What could happen if the Strait of Hormuz is blocked?
Global oil and gas supply chains could be severely disrupted, leading to price hikes and energy crises in many countries. Nations like India may have to depend on alternative sources such as West African countries.
5. Has the Strait of Hormuz faced threats in the past?
Yes, during the 1980s Tanker War and the 2011–2012 sanctions era, Iran repeatedly threatened to block the strait, and the area has seen multiple naval confrontations historically.
Some Important Current Affairs Links
