The Strait of Hormuz: Why Does Iran Hold the Greatest Influence and What Options Does the World Have to Overcome the Crisis?
By Dr. Marian Tadrous – Member of the American Press Agency
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most sensitive geographic chokepoints in the world, not only because of its strategic location but also due to its direct connection to global economic stability and energy security. The strait, which links the Arabian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, carries a significant share of global oil and gas exports, making it an indispensable artery of international trade. With every regional escalation, the same question returns to the forefront: why does Iran appear to hold the greatest influence over this maritime passage, and what options are available to the world to reduce the risks surrounding it?
First: Geography Gives Iran a Natural Advantage
Iran possesses a long coastline along the northern shore of the strait, with its shores located close to international shipping lanes at the narrowest points of the passage. This geographic reality provides Tehran with a direct ability to monitor maritime traffic and potentially influence it, even without declaring formal control. Ships transit through limited navigation corridors relatively close to Iranian territorial waters, strengthening its practical leverage.
Second: A Deterrence-Based Military Strategy
Over recent decades, Iran has developed a naval doctrine based on what is known as asymmetric warfare — the use of relatively low-cost but high-impact capabilities. This strategy includes fast attack boats, coastal missile systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), and defensive capabilities designed primarily to deter adversaries rather than engage in large-scale conventional warfare.
This approach means that any threat to navigation in the strait could have immediate global consequences, as even limited disruption may lead to rising energy prices and instability in international markets.
Third: A Political Pressure Lever in Regional Conflicts
The Strait of Hormuz has become an important element in regional and international political calculations, particularly amid economic sanctions and tensions between Iran and Western as well as regional powers. Even signaling the possibility of disrupting navigation grants Tehran indirect political leverage, as global markets react rapidly to any potential escalation.
Fourth: Why Is There No Joint Management of the Strait?
Although several countries border the strait, a collective system for managing maritime traffic has not yet emerged for several reasons:
- The strait is classified as an international waterway governed by the Law of the Sea and the principle of “transit passage,” reducing the need for a joint operational authority similar to man-made canals.
- Political and security tensions among regional states hinder the creation of a sustainable cooperative framework.
- Some regional countries rely on international security alliances rather than establishing an independent regional management system.
- The overlapping interests of major global powers in protecting energy flows complicate governance arrangements.
Fifth: Global Options to Overcome the Strait Crisis
Despite the strait’s importance, the international community has already begun exploring solutions to reduce excessive dependence on it. Key options include:
Diversifying Energy Export Routes
Developing pipelines and alternative ports outside the Gulf to reduce the volume of oil passing through the strait.
Strengthening International Maritime Security
Increasing coordination among nations to safeguard commercial shipping and ensure freedom of navigation.
Regional Dialogue and De-escalation
Political stability remains the most effective factor in reducing the likelihood of the strait being used as a pressure tool.
Transition Toward Alternative Energy Sources
As renewable energy expands globally, the strategic sensitivity of the strait may gradually decline within the global economy.
Iran does not possess absolute legal control over the Strait of Hormuz; however, it benefits from a unique combination of geography, military capability, and political circumstances that grant it significant influence. While the strait continues to represent a persistent geopolitical flashpoint, its long-term stability will depend on the ability of regional and global actors to move from confrontation toward cooperation and shared management, safeguarding one of the world’s most vital trade and energy lifelines.
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