Explained: Who really controls the Strait of Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz has become a central flashpoint in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, leading to global energy concerns and maritime instability. While Oman maintains a neutral stance, Iran's control over the northern coastline and its aggressive posturing have turned the waterway into a critical geopolitical bargaining chip.
Why it matters
The Strait is a vital maritime chokepoint for global oil supplies; its closure or disruption has immediate, severe impacts on the world economy.
Wed, Jul 15, 2026 | Muharram 30, 1448 | Fajr 04:10
[Editor's Note: For the latest updates on how US-Iran hostilities have escalated since a 14-point deal was signed on June 12, follow the Khaleej Times live blog .]
The Strait is open. The Strait is closed. Over the last four months, one of the biggest tensions of the US-Iran war has been the wrangling over of the Hormuz, a waterway so central to world economy its disruption sparked a global energy crisis but whose importance most were blissfully unaware of before February 28. Since the war broke out, however, the narrow channel has become one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints — and a constant 'bargaining chip' in the worsening US-Iran conflict.
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