Strait of Hormuz Disruptions Threaten Global Oil Flows

A history of tensions and conflicts in the strategic waterway

Mar. 19, 2026 at 11:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. and Israel's war with Iran has once again thrust the Strait of Hormuz into the center of a geopolitical conflict, with Iran halting nearly all traffic through the critical oil chokepoint. This is not the first time the strait has been weaponized, as past conflicts, sanctions, and threats have disrupted shipping and oil flows through the narrow waterway.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global energy chokepoint, with around a fifth of the world's oil passing through its channels. Disruptions to traffic in the strait can have major consequences for energy markets, sending fuel prices soaring. Past instances of tensions and conflicts in the region have demonstrated the strategic importance and vulnerability of this key maritime passage.

The details

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 nearly all tankers from carrying oil, gas and other goods through the passage. This has led to cuts from some of the world's largest producers, as their crude has nowhere to go.

  • During the 8-year war between Iran and Iraq in the 1980s, both sides attacked tankers and used naval mines to disrupt traffic in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
  • In 2011-2012, Iran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to new sanctions from the West over its nuclear program, leading to volatility in oil prices.
  • In 2018, during his first term, U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and threatened to cut off Iranian oil exports, prompting renewed threats from Iran to close the strait.
  • In 2019 and 2021, the U.S. Navy blamed Iran for attacks on vessels near the strait, straining insurance rates and raising fears for shipping companies.
  • Fears about a possible Strait of Hormuz closure also arose during last year's 12-day war between Israel and Iran, though the strait remained open throughout the conflict.

The players

Iran

A Middle Eastern country that has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to sanctions and other tensions over the years.

United States

A global superpower that has been involved in conflicts and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, including the so-called Tanker War with Iran in the 1980s.

Israel

A close U.S. ally that has been engaged in a recent war with Iran, which has raised fears about potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The outcome of the ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran will likely determine the future of the Strait of Hormuz and its role in global energy markets. Continued disruptions or a potential closure of the strait could have far-reaching consequences for the global economy.

The takeaway

The Strait of Hormuz's history of being a flashpoint for geopolitical conflicts underscores its critical importance as a global energy chokepoint. Ensuring the free flow of oil and other goods through this strategic waterway remains a top priority for the international community.