How the Strait of Hormuz Became the World’s Most Dangerous Chokepoint

A 120-mile strip of water is holding the global economy hostage. Following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz — the world's most critical energy chokepoint — has been thrust into the centre of a deepening geopolitical crisis. With nearly a quarter of the world's seaborne oil and a fifth of its liquefied natural gas passing through this narrow corridor, the consequences are already being felt far beyond the Middle East: surging oil prices, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and shipping companies suspending transits altogether. But this is more than an energy crisis. From fertiliser shortages threatening food security across Africa, to undersea internet cables carrying global banking traffic running through the same vulnerable waters, the disruption is exposing just how fragile the architecture of modern globalisation truly is. Produced by Federica De Caria, Stephanie Bosset #geopolitics #economics #straitofhormuz #globaltrade #energycrisis Read the best of our journalism: https://www.thetimes.com/ Subscribe to the Times Originals YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_... Find us on Facebook:   / timesandsundaytimes   Find us on X: https://x.com/thetimes Find us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetimes?lang=en Find us on Instagram:   / thetimes