Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a marine passage between Oman and Iran that connects the Gulf of Oman to the Persian Gulf. The waterway spans 55 to 95 kilometers in width and passes through territorial waters managed by both coastal nations.

The waterway rose to importance during the Kingdom of Ormus period between the 15th and 17th centuries as a central trade route. This era established the passage as a key point for the exchange of goods between regions.

The name Hormuz comes from Persian words for date palms that once shaped the landscape along these shores. This link to palm groves remains part of how the waterway is remembered and identified today.

Maritime traffic follows designated lanes with neutral zones to avoid collisions between incoming and outgoing vessels. The passage crosses territorial waters that require international coordination between the neighboring coastal states.

About one fifth of global petroleum exports passes through this waterway, representing roughly 19 million barrels of oil per day. This volume makes the passage one of the busiest maritime transport routes for energy resources.