Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says ‘no ship’ is allowed to pass in Strait of Hormuz
With one-fifth of the world’s oil production passing through the Strait of Hormuz, energy markets – and your local gas station – are watching the developing attack on Iran closely. Tankers passing through the key waterway bordering Iran have already received VHF transmissions from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard saying “no ship is allowed to pass.”
Several shipping companies carrying crude and liquified natural gas have suspended movements.
The strait is a tight bend in the Arabian Sea, about 33 kilometres at its narrowest point, less than half the width of Lake Ontario. On one side, the Persian Gulf’s major oil producers, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE and Iran. On the other, strategic routes through the Gulf of Oman, mainly to China and South Korea.
At its shallowest point, it is a mere 60 metres, making it very vulnerable to blockage from any kind of military action.
