As tensions rise around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, we look at the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. From energy flows in the Persian Gulf to trade routes through the Strait of Malacca, these narrow waterways influence global oil supply,

The Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed. Since the beginning of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, oil tanker traffic through the world’s most critical oil shipping choke point has collapsed,

For India and China, the stakes are particularly high because both economies rely heavily on imported crude to sustain industrial activity and economic growth.

A war in Iran has turned the Strait of Hormuz into a choke point so critical that one misstep could rattle every economy on Earth

More than 1,100 vessels have been hit by GPS interference across the Middle East Gulf since the start of the conflict, according to maritime firm Windward. Experts warn these attacks pose severe

With few captains willing to brave the Strait of Hormuz as war rages around the Gulf, companies will have to do business without one of the world's most vital shipping lanes, especially for oil and gas. - What is the strait's importance to world markets?

Iraq is also working to restore a disused pipeline that ​would allow oil to be pumped directly to Turkey's Ceyhan port without passing through the Kurdistan region, Oil Minister Hayan Abdel-Ghani said in a video ​statement released on Monday.