Why the Strait of Hormuz Is a Focus of Worry Again

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, is rarely far from the center of global tensions. A major shipping route that handles almost 30% of the world’s oil trade, it’s closely watched for signs of disruption. The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel has again raised concerns that shipping through the vital waterway could be at risk.

Iran has repeatedly targeted merchant ships traversing the choke point over the years and has threatened to block transit in the past. Tehran hasn’t specifically threatened traffic through Hormuz recently, but it actively supports Houthi rebels in Yemen who’ve been attacking ships near the southern entrance to the Red Sea, indicating that Iran is willing to hamper global shipping in pursuit of its aims.