Strait of Hormuz Explained: What Are Its History and Disputes?

In recent American airstrikes on Iranian positions on June 21, 2025, have sparked renewed global fears about escalating tensions in the Middle East. Many observers are now anxiously watching the Strait of Hormuz, which is a passing maritime route with a narrow but immensely vital passage for global oil transportation, and are wondering whether Iran might try to close it in retaliation. But do you ever analyse what makes this narrow strip of water so geopolitically significant and how it becomes an important flashpoint for global powers?

Let's dive into this article to explore in detail the Strait of Hormuz

About the Strait of Hormuz: 

The Strait of Hormuz is positioned between Oman and Iran. The Strait of Hormuz acts as a connector between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, eventually leading to the Arabian Sea. Though just 33 km wide at its tightest stretch, commercial vessels follow even narrower, well-regulated lanes within the strait.

This makes the short and narrow waterway route handle nearly 20% of the world’s oil trade, making it the globe’s most critical energy chokepoint. According to maritime analyst David Brewster, in 2011 alone, tankers passing through the Strait carried over one-third of the world’s seaborne oil, with countries like India, China, Japan, and South Korea heavily reliant on it.

Between 2009 and 2013, more oil flowed through Hormuz than through any other global route, including the Suez Canal and the Strait of Malacca.

What is the history of the Strait of Hormuz?

Centuries of Trade and Power Struggles for the Strait of Hormuz:

Long before oil made it valuable, the Strait of Hormuz was a key artery for trade and empire-building. From the 10th to the 15th centuries, the region became a bustling hub for the Islamic world. Ports nearby — like Mecca and Bahrain — exported luxury items such as attar perfumes, brocades, silks, weapons, and dried fruits to markets in East Africa, India, and China. In return, porcelain, cotton textiles, precious stones, and ivory flowed in.

Recognising its importance, the Portuguese seized control of Hormuz in 1515, hoping to dominate spice routes and block Muslim ships from reaching India. Their maritime empire, centred in Goa, used naval blockades to maintain authority until a joint Anglo-Persian effort ousted them in 1622, ending more than a century of Portuguese dominance in the Gulf.

For India’s Deep Stakes, how much is the Strait of Hormuz important?

For India, the Strait of Hormuz is not just a distant waterway; it’s a critical energy artery. With the country importing around 70% of its oil, much of which comes from Gulf nations, any disruption in the Strait poses a direct threat to India’s energy security.

Some analysts have described India’s situation as a “Hormuz Dilemma” — echoing China’s “Malacca Dilemma” — as both nations depend heavily on narrow maritime passages for energy imports. Rising concerns have also been fuelled by China’s involvement in the Pakistani port of Gwadar, close to Hormuz, raising fears of increased Chinese naval presence in the region.

What are the legal and strategic disputes around the Strait of Hormuz?

The Strait’s importance has also made it a legal battleground. Under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), Hormuz is classified as an international strait, granting transit rights to all ships. However, Iran and Oman challenge this, asserting territorial claims over the entire passage and allowing only “innocent passage” through their waters.

Ironically, the United States hasn’t ratified UNCLOS yet insists that its naval vessels have transit rights based on customary law. Iran, in contrast, rejects this view, arguing that UNCLOS provisions apply only to its signatories. This standoff has become a central issue in U.S.-Iran naval tensions.

What could be the shadow of conflict and retaliation for the Strait of Hormuz?

While Iran has never fully closed the Strait, it has taken steps to disrupt maritime operations. One such moment occurred in 1988, when an American naval ship struck an Iranian mine, prompting the U.S. to launch Operation Praying Mantis, destroying Iranian platforms and sinking vessels.

Tensions continued into the 2010s, with the U.S. Navy recording nearly 300 interactions with Iranian forces in 2015 alone. After Donald Trump reimposed sanctions on Iran in 2018, the situation deteriorated further. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards conducted military drills simulating the closure of the strait.

However, closing Hormuz outright would be economically disastrous for Iran, which relies heavily on oil exports. Experts like Shishir Upadhyaya argue that while Iran has the capability, it is unlikely to execute a full closure, fearing severe reprisals and long-term damage to its already fragile economy.

Is there any alternative maritime route other than the Strait of Hormuz?

Search for an alternative route other than the Strait of Hormuz:

Fearing such scenarios, countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have developed alternative oil routes, including overland pipelines, to bypass Hormuz. These investments are designed to reduce dependency on the Strait and insulate oil exports from geopolitical volatility.

Conclusion: A Chokepoint of the Past, Present, and Future

The Strait of Hormuz is not just a narrow waterway; it is a confluence of history, energy politics, and international rivalry. From colonial ambitions to modern military standoffs, its importance has remained constant across centuries. As the world becomes more energy-dependent and geopolitics more unpredictable, the Strait is set to stay at the heart of global strategic calculations.