Strategic Significance of the Strait of Hormuz in Global Energy and Geopolitics

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:12:00 +0200

The Strait of Hormuz, at only 33 kilometers wide at its narrowest point, serves as a critical chokepoint for global energy supply, with roughly 21 million barrels of oil and 20 percent of LNG traded daily passing through. Iran does not need to win a traditional naval conflict; instead, it leverages geography, asymmetric tactics, and psychological deterrence to make transit risky and costly. The U.S. and Israel, despite their military and technological superiority, cannot fully control this corridor, exposing vulnerabilities in the petrodollar system and global energy security. Historical examples, such as the Iran-Iraq War and Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, demonstrate the immediate economic consequences of disruptions, including skyrocketing oil prices and insurance premiums. Countries like Australia, which rely heavily on Gulf exports, are directly impacted. The article highlights that empires can project force but cannot replace trust or control fundamental geography, emphasizi