Strait of Hormuz: Iran allows passage to friendly nations
Why in the news
Amid the conflict involving Iran, Tehran let vessels of selected countries through the Strait of Hormuz in late March 2026 while asserting sovereignty over it.
Key facts
- Countries allowed: India, China, Russia, Iraq and Pakistan.
- Trigger: the ongoing geopolitical conflict involving Iran.
- Iran’s claim: sovereignty over the Strait.
About the Strait of Hormuz
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman |
| Bordering countries | Iran and Oman |
| Oil share | About 20% of global oil trade |
| India link | Key route for India’s energy imports |
Related concepts
- Maritime chokepoint: a narrow sea route vital for global shipping; examples are Hormuz and Malacca. Disruption can lift global energy prices.
- Maritime sovereignty: a state’s authority over its territorial waters, including regulating ship passage and security control.
- Freedom of navigation: an international maritime law principle ensuring free movement of ships in international waters, governed by UNCLOS.
- The debate pits international waters against territorial control.
Exam angle
- Strait links Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
- Bordered by Iran and Oman.
- Chokepoint examples: Hormuz and Malacca.
- Navigation law: UNCLOS.