From empires to oil: The story of the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz — a narrow passage of water between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman — has shaped the destinies of empires, influenced global trade, and remains one of the most strategically vital waterways in the world today. Its story is a fascinating journey from ancient maritime routes to modern geopolitical flashpoints, heavily centered around the global oil economy.

1. Ancient Maritime Crossroads

Historically, the Strait of Hormuz has been a crucial trade route for centuries. The early Persian empires, such as the Achaemenids, recognized its value for trade with India and Africa. Arab merchants during the Islamic Golden Age used it as a gateway for the spice trade and cultural exchange.

The nearby ports like Hormuz Island and Muscat became centers of commerce and control. Whoever controlled the Strait essentially dominated access to the Persian Gulf.

2. Age of European Conquest

In the 16th century, the Portuguese Empire seized the Strait and fortified Hormuz Island to control East-West trade routes. Later, the British and Dutch East India Companies clashed here for supremacy. The British Empire eventually maintained naval dominance in the Gulf, setting the stage for their future influence over oil-rich territories in the 20th century.

3. The Rise of Oil Politics

The 20th century marked a turning point. With the discovery of oil in Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf countries, the Strait gained unprecedented economic importance. Today, around 20% of the world’s oil—roughly 17 million barrels per day—passes through this narrow corridor, which is only 21 nautical miles wide at its narrowest point.

The economies of the U.S., China, India, and Europe are all, to varying degrees, dependent on oil shipments that must pass through this choke point.

4. Flashpoint of Conflict

The Strait has frequently been a center of tension:

Iran-Iraq War (1980s): Tankers were targeted in the so-called “Tanker War.”

U.S.–Iran confrontations: The U.S. Navy has maintained a presence in the region to ensure safe passage of oil tankers.

Iran’s threats: On multiple occasions, especially during nuclear-related sanctions, Iran has threatened to close the Strait if provoked — a move that could send global oil prices skyrocketing.

The presence of multiple naval forces (Iranian, American, British) in such a narrow waterway heightens the risk of accidents or miscalculations.

5. Strategic Present and Uncertain Future

In today’s globalized world, the Strait of Hormuz is both a lifeline and a pressure point. It is closely monitored by satellite and patrolled constantly. Alternative pipelines like the UAE’s Habshan–Fujairah and Saudi Arabia’s East–West Pipeline have been developed to bypass the Strait, but they handle only a fraction of the oil exports.

Climate change and a global push toward renewable energy might lessen dependence on oil over the next few decades — but in the present, the Strait remains vital.

Conclusion

From the Persian Empire to OPEC, from sailboats to supertankers, the Strait of Hormuz tells a compelling story of power, commerce, and global interdependence. It is a reminder that sometimes, the narrowest places on Earth can carry the heaviest burdens of history and economy.