The Historical Significance of the Strait of Hormuz
March 22, 2026
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic maritime passage that has been a cause of conflict since ancient times. It controls about 20% of the world's oil, giving Iran significant geopolitical power. The control of this passage was important for many empires, including the Greeks, Ottomans, and Portuguese. The discovery of oil in the region in the 1930s further increased the Strait's significance. The United States has continually faced the challenge of ensuring safe navigation there.