The Strait of Hormuz is once again in the news in the Middle East. The reason for this is a big statement by Mohsen Rezai, advisor to Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei. He has said, ‘The Strait of Hormuz is more important than dozens of nuclear bombs and Iran will protect it at all costs.’ At first glance this statement may seem shocking, but behind it lies not only military power but also a larger strategy related to the world’s energy and trade. This is why whenever tension increases between Iran and America or Israel, the name of the Strait of Hormuz comes up in discussion first.
Actually, the Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important sea routes in the world. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A large amount of crude oil and natural gas originating from the major oil producing countries of the Gulf like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE and Iran itself reaches different countries of the world through this route. Therefore, if any kind of crisis occurs on this route, its impact is not limited to the Middle East only, but oil prices, maritime trade and economy across the world can be affected.
Why did Iran compare with nuclear bomb?
According to the report, Mohsen Rezai says that the nuclear bomb is a military weapon, but the Strait of Hormuz is a strategic route which can affect the economy of the entire world. If for some reason the movement of ships here stops or is disrupted, the global oil supply will be affected and fuel may become expensive in many countries. For this reason, Iran sees it as its biggest strategic strength.
Why is it so important for the world?
A large part of the crude oil transported by sea in the world is transported through this strait. This is the reason why America, European countries and Gulf nations consider security in this region very important. Whenever tension increases here, there is a rise in the prices of crude oil in the international market and the global supply chain is also affected. India buys a major part of its crude oil requirement from Gulf countries. This oil also reaches India mainly through the Strait of Hormuz. If tension increases here or movement of ships is affected, then oil import into India may become expensive.
What is Iran’s message?
This statement of Iran is not only a warning but also an attempt to show that the Hormuz Strait is very important strategically for it. Western countries have long accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons, while Iran denies these allegations, saying that its nuclear program is only for peaceful and civilian purposes. In such an environment, this statement regarding Hormuz indicates that if regional tensions increase, the issue of this sea route may once again come to the center of global politics and economy.
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