Hormuz: The Tiny Strip of Water That Could Stop the World
The Strait of Hormuz is perhaps the most important few miles of water on the planet. While it may look like a simple narrow strip of blue on a map, it is the central nervous system of the global energy economy. If the world’s economy has a pulse, you can feel it beating right here, between the rugged coasts of Oman and Iran. In this article, we will dive deep into why this waterway matters, the history that shaped it, the geopolitics that threaten it, and why a single day of disruption here could change the price of your morning commute halfway across the world. 1. Geography: A Narrow Gateway Geographically, the Strait of Hormuz is a crescent-shaped waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea . The Dimensions: At its narrowest point, the strait is only about 21 miles (33 kilometers) wide. The Shipping Lanes: Because the water isn't deep enough everywhere for massive tankers, the actual shipping lanes are even narrower. There are two "...
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