Which strait links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman?

The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

This narrow waterway lies between Iran to the north and Oman’s Musandam Peninsula to the south, with nearby waters also touching the United Arab Emirates. It is the only sea passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the open ocean through the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

The strait is strategically important because major energy shipments pass through it. Tankers carrying crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas use its navigable channels to reach markets in Asia, Europe, and elsewhere. Its narrow geography makes it a maritime chokepoint, meaning that disruption could affect global shipping and energy supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz is often confused with the Bab-el-Mandeb, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, or with the Strait of Malacca, which links the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. The name refers to the wider Hormuz area and is associated with Hormuz Island, located near the strait’s northern side. Ships follow designated traffic lanes to reduce collision risks.