Strait of Hormuz
between Iran and Oman/UAE; links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman
Why in news
Aug 2026
Its closure and reopening during the West Asia crisis directly threatened India's Gulf energy imports, which meet about 60% of its needs. Iran proposed licensing and toll fees on undersea fibre-optic cables passing through the strait. The West Asia conflict revived global anxiety over this chokepoint, through which a large share of the world's oil moves; India pushed its fair, firm and focused diplomatic approach while diversifying energy sources. Iran and Oman agreed to reopen the strait for 60 days; about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes through this key chokepoint.
Jun 2026
Its closure and reopening during the West Asia crisis directly threatened India's Gulf energy imports, which meet about 60% of its needs. Iran proposed licensing and toll fees on undersea fibre-optic cables passing through the strait. The West Asia conflict revived global anxiety over this chokepoint, through which a large share of the world's oil moves; India pushed its fair, firm and focused diplomatic approach while diversifying energy sources. Iran and Oman agreed to reopen the strait for 60 days; about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes through this key chokepoint.
May 2026
Its closure and reopening during the West Asia crisis directly threatened India's Gulf energy imports, which meet about 60% of its needs. Iran proposed licensing and toll fees on undersea fibre-optic cables passing through the strait. The West Asia conflict revived global anxiety over this chokepoint, through which a large share of the world's oil moves; India pushed its fair, firm and focused diplomatic approach while diversifying energy sources. Iran and Oman agreed to reopen the strait for 60 days; about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes through this key chokepoint.
Apr 2026
Its closure and reopening during the West Asia crisis directly threatened India's Gulf energy imports, which meet about 60% of its needs. Iran proposed licensing and toll fees on undersea fibre-optic cables passing through the strait. The West Asia conflict revived global anxiety over this chokepoint, through which a large share of the world's oil moves; India pushed its fair, firm and focused diplomatic approach while diversifying energy sources. Iran and Oman agreed to reopen the strait for 60 days; about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes through this key chokepoint.
Key facts
- Its closure and reopening during the West Asia crisis directly threatened India's Gulf energy imports, which meet about 60% of its needs. Iran proposed licensing and toll fees on undersea fibre-optic cables passing through the strait. The West Asia conflict revived global anxiety over this chokepoint, through which a large share of the world's oil moves; India pushed its fair, firm and focused diplomatic approach while diversifying energy sources. Iran and Oman agreed to reopen the strait for 60 days; about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes through this key chokepoint.
UPSC relevance
Prelims
Prelims may ask which water bodies it connects and the countries flanking it.
Mains
Mains (GS-2): maritime chokepoints and energy security.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Strait of Hormuz in the news?
Apr 2026: Its closure and reopening during the West Asia crisis directly threatened India's Gulf energy imports, which meet about 60% of its needs. Iran proposed licensing and toll fees on undersea fibre-optic cables passing through the strait. The West Asia conflict revived global anxiety over this chokepoint, through which a large share of the world's oil moves; India pushed its fair, firm and focused diplomatic approach while diversifying energy sources. Iran and Oman agreed to reopen the strait for 60 days; about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes through this key chokepoint. May 2026: Its closure and reopening during the West Asia crisis directly threatened India's Gulf energy imports, which meet about 60% of its needs. Iran proposed licensing and toll fees on undersea fibre-optic cables passing through the strait. The West Asia conflict revived global anxiety over this chokepoint, through which a large share of the world's oil moves; India pushed its fair, firm and focused diplomatic approach while diversifying energy sources. Iran and Oman agreed to reopen the strait for 60 days; about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes through this key chokepoint. Jun 2026: Its closure and reopening during the West Asia crisis directly threatened India's Gulf energy imports, which meet about 60% of its needs. Iran proposed licensing and toll fees on undersea fibre-optic cables passing through the strait. The West Asia conflict revived global anxiety over this chokepoint, through which a large share of the world's oil moves; India pushed its fair, firm and focused diplomatic approach while diversifying energy sources. Iran and Oman agreed to reopen the strait for 60 days; about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes through this key chokepoint. Aug 2026: Its closure and reopening during the West Asia crisis directly threatened India's Gulf energy imports, which meet about 60% of its needs. Iran proposed licensing and toll fees on undersea fibre-optic cables passing through the strait. The West Asia conflict revived global anxiety over this chokepoint, through which a large share of the world's oil moves; India pushed its fair, firm and focused diplomatic approach while diversifying energy sources. Iran and Oman agreed to reopen the strait for 60 days; about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes through this key chokepoint.
Why is Strait of Hormuz important for UPSC?
Prelims may ask which water bodies it connects and the countries flanking it. Mains (GS-2): maritime chokepoints and energy security.
Last updated: 2026-10-09