The Strait of Hormuz carries a major share of the world’s oil exports between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The strait lies between Iran to the north and the Musandam Peninsula of Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south. It is approximately 167 kilometres long, although its navigable routes pass through a much narrower waterway.
Hormuz is strategically important because oil and liquefied natural gas from several Gulf producers must pass through it to reach global markets. Tankers use designated shipping lanes under international maritime arrangements, while the nearby islands and coastline have made the region significant in naval history.
The Strait of Hormuz is often confused with the Strait of Malacca, another major energy route in Asia. Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman; Malacca connects the Indian Ocean and Pacific-facing seas around the Malay Peninsula.