Strait of Hormuz

• 25 Jun 2025

Source: TH

Why in News?

Under Operation Midnight Hammer, the US targeted three key Iranian nuclear facilities (Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow). In retaliation, Iran's parliament approved a proposal to close the Strait of Hormuz.

• The US strike utilized B-2 Stealth Bombers, GBU-57 bunker buster bombs (Massive Ordnance Penetrators), and Tomahawk missiles.

What are Key Facts About the Strait of Hormuz?

• About: It is a narrow sea passage (55–95 km wide) between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. 
  • It serves as a vital transit route for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from Persian Gulf countries.

• Global Energy Dependence: It is a critical artery for global oil transit, carrying about 20-25% of the world’s total oil supply. In 2024, approximately 20 million barrels per day passed through it. 
  • Major oil exporters using the Strait include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar, while over 80% of this oil is destined for Asian markets, primarily India, China, Japan, and South Korea.
• India’s Dependence: Approximately 40% of India’s crude oil imports and around 54% of its LNG imports pass through this strategic passage.
• Historical Flashpoints: While a complete shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz has no historical precedent, the region has witnessed significant disruptions. 
  • During the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88), both sides attacked oil tankers and cargo ships in the Gulf region dubbed as Tanker War. 
    
    • In 2019, Iran seized a British tanker and has repeatedly threatened to block the Strait during geopolitical tensions, notably in 2011–12 and after US sanctions post-2018.
• Alternate Routes and Pipelines: Saudi Arabia (via ARAMCO) and the UAE have pipelines bypassing the Strait, while Iran uses the Goreh-Jask pipeline and Jask terminal to export oil directly to the Gulf of Oman.

B-2 Stealth Bombers

• About: It is a US Air Force strategic stealth bomber, renowned for its long range (6,000 miles), low observability, and precision strike capabilities. 
  • It remains the most advanced and expensive aircraft ever built, with a unit cost exceeding USD 2 billion.
• Development & Induction: The B-2, developed by Northrop Grumman, took its maiden flight in July 1989 and entered operational service in 1997.
  • A total of 21 B-2 bombers were produced, with 19 currently in active service.
  • Its bat-like flying wing design reduces detection and evades enemy air defenses.
• Combat Use & Strategic Role: First used in the 1999 Kosovo War, the B-2 has been deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, and Iran.

Massive Ordnance Penetrators (GBU-57)

  UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Q. Between India and East Asia, the navigation-time and distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following? (2011)

1. Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia.
2. Opening a new canal across the Kra isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and Andaman Sea.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

Ans: (b)

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Q.Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the Strait of Malacca?  (2010)

(a) Bali 
(b) Brunei
(c) Java 
(d) Singapore

Ans: (d)