The spellings "Strait of Hormuz" and "Strait of Ormuz" are both commonly used for the narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. The pronunciation of the word "Ormuz" is often debated, with some people pronouncing the final "z" while others do not. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription of the word is /ɔːmuz/, with the stress on the first syllable and the final consonant pronounced as a voiced "z". Regardless of spelling, the strait is a vital shipping lane for oil tankers and commercial vessels.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway located in the Middle East, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. It is a critical maritime passage and one of the most strategic chokepoints in the world. The strait is situated between Iran to the north and Oman to the south, with its width measuring approximately 35 miles at its narrowest point.
This strategic waterway holds great geopolitical significance due to its vital role in the global oil trade. It serves as a primary transit route for large oil tankers and cargo ships transporting oil and natural gas from the Persian Gulf states to international markets. The strait handles a significant portion of the world's oil supply, making it a crucial energy artery and a focal point for international trade.
Given its importance, the Strait of Hormuz has been subject to territorial disputes, tensions, and conflicts throughout history. Iran has claimed sovereignty over the entire waterway, leading to occasional disputes with neighboring nations and international powers. Furthermore, the strait has been a site of geopolitical contention between regional powers, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, and has witnessed military standoffs and incidents in the past.
Due to its strategic significance and potential for conflict, the Strait of Hormuz is closely monitored and patrolled by various international navies to ensure the security and free flow of commercial shipping. The stability and accessibility of the strait impact global oil prices and have implications for regional and global security.