The widening war in Iran has ground tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to a halt, and oil prices have soared, highlighting the important role the narrow passageway plays in global energy supply. The Strait of Hormuz is the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which about a fifth of the world's oil passes. ADVERTISEMENTAny disruption to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is highly disruptive to the oil trade. A key waterway for global shippingThe Strait of Hormuz is a bending waterway, about 33 kilometers (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point. Trump said that, if necessary, the US Navy would escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: The Telegraph March 04, 2026 04:19 UTC