Strait of Hormuz Disruptions Threaten Global Oil Flows

A history of past conflicts and tensions that have impacted the critical global oil chokepoint

Mar. 19, 2026 at 7:12am

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The U.S. and Israel's ongoing war with Iran has once again thrust the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint, into the center of a geopolitical conflict. Iran has halted nearly all traffic through the waterway, severely disrupting the world's oil supply. This is not the first time the Strait of Hormuz has been weaponized, with past incidents during the Iran-Iraq "Tanker War" in the 1980s, threats of closure during Iran nuclear sanctions in 2011-2012 and 2018, and recent ship seizures and attacks in the region.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global energy chokepoint, with around a fifth of the world's oil supply passing through its narrow channels. Disruptions to traffic in the strait can have major consequences for energy markets, sending fuel prices soaring. Iran's control over the strait and willingness to threaten or disrupt its operations have made it a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions over the years.

The details

In the current conflict, Iran has ground to a halt nearly all traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, shutting down a critical path for the world's flow of oil. Attacks on commercial ships and threats of further strikes have stopped most tankers from carrying oil, gas and other goods through the passage. This has led to production cuts from some of the world's largest oil producers, as their crude has nowhere to go.

  • The latest clash between the U.S., Israel and Iran has been ongoing for the past 3 weeks.
  • During the 1980s Iran-Iraq "Tanker War", both sides attacked tankers and used naval mines to disrupt traffic in the strait.
  • In 2011-2012, Iran threatened to close the strait in response to new nuclear sanctions from the West.
  • In 2018, Iran repeated threats to close the strait after the U.S. withdrew from the Iran nuclear accord.
  • In 2019-2025, there were a series of ship seizures and attacks in the strait, though it remained open.

The players

Iran

A Middle Eastern country that has significant influence over the Strait of Hormuz due to its nearby military presence and control of key islands in the area.

United States

A global superpower that has been involved in conflicts and tensions with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, including during the 1980s "Tanker War" and more recent sanctions and military actions.

Israel

A close U.S. ally that has also been engaged in a recent 12-day war with Iran, further heightening tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The Strait of Hormuz has long been a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions, with Iran's control over the strategic waterway making it a recurring target for disruption. The latest conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran has once again highlighted the global significance of this critical oil chokepoint and the potential for severe economic consequences if traffic through the strait is severely restricted or halted.