Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate Amid U.S.-Iran Showdown

Potential U.S. military intervention raises risk of Iran disrupting critical global energy chokepoint.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy chokepoint, is once again at the center of tensions between the United States and Iran. As Washington continues to build up its military presence in the region, experts warn that any confrontation could prompt Iran to disrupt traffic through the strait, which carries about a fifth of the world's total oil consumption.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy chokepoint, with over 20 million barrels per day of crude, condensate, and refined fuels transiting the passage. Disruptions to this flow could have significant impacts on global energy markets and prices.

The details

Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran began on Friday in Oman, but Iranian officials have downplayed expectations of a swift breakthrough, suggesting the talks are unlikely to quickly ease tensions between the two sides. Industry experts warn that any military confrontation could prompt Iran to take action to disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

  • Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran began on Friday, February 11, 2026, in Oman.

The players

United States

The U.S. has continued to build up its military presence in the region as tensions with Iran escalate.

Iran

Iranian officials have played down expectations of a swift breakthrough in the negotiations, suggesting the talks are unlikely to quickly ease strains between Iran and the U.S.

Strait of Hormuz

A narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea, the Strait of Hormuz is a vital global energy chokepoint, carrying about a fifth of the world's total oil consumption.

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The takeaway

The escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz highlight the strategic importance of this critical global energy chokepoint and the potential for disruptions to have significant impacts on global energy markets and prices.