The Geopolitical Importance of the Strait of Hormuz for Iran

Introduction

Maritime straits are considered the jewels of the world’s waterways due to their strategic and economic importance. They serve as vital navigational passages linking two oceans or seas and control a significant portion of global trade and energy flows. Consequently, these waterways constitute important geostrategic and geopolitical chokepoints. The Strait of Hormuz ranks among the most important maritime passages in the world. It is located at the entrance to the Arabian Gulf, between the Musandam Peninsula of the Sultanate of Oman to the south and Iran to the north. The strait extends for approximately 990 kilometers and varies in width from 55 to 95 kilometers. Around 20 percent of the world’s crude oil supply passes through it—equivalent to about 21 million barrels per day—as well as roughly 20 percent of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade.[1]

The Strait of Hormuz has long been a focal point of political, economic, and security conflicts and disputes due to its strategic location linking the Gulf states with the outside world. Its geographical position has significantly enhanced its importance among nations, making it the object of attention for states with vital interests in the region and a central arena of both international and regional competition. This location has enabled the strait to exert considerable influence over maritime navigation while conferring upon it a distinctive security, legal, and strategic status. Consequently, it has become a site of rivalry among international and regional naval powers seeking to establish control and influence over it because of its importance and geopolitical significance.

As an international strait, the Strait of Hormuz is governed by the rules of maritime navigation, most of which guarantee freedom of passage for the vessels of all regional and international states. It is also intended to remain neutral during armed conflicts in accordance with the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the principal international agreement regulating transit through maritime straits and the primary legal reference in this field. Under the convention, all vessels—civilian and military alike, whether belonging to coastal or landlocked states—have the right to transit international straits without prior authorization, provided that such passage is conducted peacefully and does not threaten the security of the states bordering the strait.

This article offers an analytical perspective on the impact and significance of the geopolitical location of the Strait of Hormuz on international trade and the transit of oil and gas products from the Arabian Gulf (as referred to by the Arab Gulf states) or the Persian Gulf (as referred to by Iran) to the industrialized countries of both East and West. It also examines the movement of goods and commodities from these countries to the Gulf states. In addition, the strait constitutes a major security nexus for many regional countries, foremost among them Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, all of which are compelled to engage with this strategic challenge through a degree of power diplomacy.

This dynamic is largely shaped by Iran’s policy of seeking to influence and, at times, leverage the strait as a geopolitical pressure point in response to Western pressure and sanctions imposed by Washington and its allies. Accordingly, the article focuses on the geoeconomic and geopolitical dimensions of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s regional influence, and its security and military activities, as well as their impact on regional and international policies. The analysis is grounded in realist theory, which emphasizes power and competition for dominance as essential means of safeguarding national interests within an anarchic international system.

The significance of this article stems from the importance of the Strait of Hormuz’s location. Therefore, its analysis must be grounded in the methodologies of scientific research within the field of political geography, as the strait’s location directly influences state policies and decision-making regarding economic and military activities conducted through it. Accordingly, the study draws upon the historical method, in addition to the descriptive-analytical method, to examine the importance of the Strait of Hormuz and the impact of its location on the movement of oil, gas, goods, and commodities. It also explores how these dynamics shape the nature of international conflict and regional competition, as well as the role of maritime straits—particularly the Strait of Hormuz—as geographical chokepoints that enable controlling states to exert influence over the economies of countries dependent on transit through them. Furthermore, the study employs the realist approach, which interprets Iran’s behavior through the lenses of power and national interest.

In line with these objectives, this article first examines the economic significance of the Strait of Hormuz for Iran. Second, it analyzes the political importance of the strait in relation to Iran’s strategy of regional influence. Third, it addresses the security and military dimensions of the strait and their impact on regional and international policies.

This article is grounded in the core principles of Realist Theory in international relations, particularly its concepts of power, balance of power, and national interest, as these provide the most appropriate framework for understanding and analyzing the subject under discussion. Realism has dominated approaches to foreign policy analysis since the end of the Second World War because it offers highly effective explanatory tools for interpreting state behavior.[2]

Realism is regarded as one of the most influential theories of foreign policy. It is founded on the premise that interest constitutes the essence of political action, while power serves as its principal instrument for ensuring survival. According to the realist perspective, national interest is the decisive criterion guiding any form of external behavior adopted by a state within the international system.[3]

Realist theory is founded on several core assumptions, foremost among them the view that the state is a rational actor seeking to advance its interests, particularly the protection of its existence and survival within an international system characterized by anarchy. Realism further assumes that the orientations and decisions adopted by states can generally be explained through a rational logic based on an analysis of the dominant political current within each state.[4]

Moreover, realism holds that the international system is inherently anarchic. Consequently, the preservation of national security becomes the supreme interest of every state. Foreign policies are therefore directed toward the maximization of power, independent of moral or normative considerations, as power is regarded as the principal means of ensuring state stability and the continuity of its foreign policy.[5]

The theory also holds that states act according to their own interests as the primary determinant of their behavior. However, the definition of these interests is shaped by balances of power and relations with other states. There are no permanent friendships or enmities; rather, there are interests that change according to circumstances.

From a realist perspective, power is understood as the embodiment of a state’s ability to protect its interests, whether through military strength or elements of comprehensive national power, including geographic location, economic capabilities, and intangible resources.

Realism further points to a set of supreme and enduring interests that constitute the strategic objectives of states, such as protecting the state from external threats, achieving sustainable economic development, enhancing political and social stability, and maintaining an influential international position that grants the state prestige and recognition.

National interest is analyzed on two main levels: the state’s national characteristics and decision-makers. It is defined through the objective capabilities of the state, but it is also shaped by the vision of political leadership and its ability to strategically and effectively employ instruments of power. In realist analysis, national interest is what decision-makers perceive and seek to achieve through state institutions, and these orientations may change with shifts in political leadership.

Within this framework, realist theory will be employed to understand Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz, where the state seeks to maximize its power and enhance its security through control over one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. Iran’s use of the strait as an instrument of economic and political pressure in response to sanctions and international pressure is interpreted through the lens of national interest and deterrence, in line with the realist perspective on international relations.

First: The Economic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz with respect to Iran

The economic dimension of the Strait of Hormuz constitutes a fundamental pillar for understanding Iran’s strategy, as the strait represents a vital artery for oil and gas exports and a key element in the structure of the Iranian economy. Accordingly, any disruption to maritime navigation or threat to the safety of shipping in the strait has a direct impact on Iran’s revenues. Its effects are not confined to the domestic level but extend to causing widespread disruptions and volatility in global energy markets.[6]

Iran recognizes that possessing a partial capacity to control or influence maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is not merely a security lever, but essentially an instrument of economic pressure with international dimensions. This capability provides Iran with significant room for political maneuvering, as the threat of disrupting navigation or increasing maritime risk levels can be employed as a bargaining tool in its dealings with major powers, whether the United States, European countries, or Asian economies that heavily depend on energy flows through the strait. Thus, the strait transforms from a mere geographical passage into an active component in the equations of negotiation and economic deterrence.

1 – The Importance of the Strait of Hormuz for Iranian Exports

A – The Degree of Dependence on the Strait

The vast majority of Iran’s oil exports—estimated at around 90 percent—pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This makes the Iranian economy highly sensitive to any disruption in maritime traffic. Accordingly, even a temporary or partial disruption would directly affect the state’s ability to generate oil revenues and would threaten one of the most important sources of financing for the Iranian economy.[7]

B – Export Infrastructure

Kharg Island Port constitutes the backbone of Iran’s crude oil exports, serving as the main gathering and export terminal, alongside several ports and facilities located along Iran’s southern coastline. This geographical concentration of exports enhances the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, while simultaneously increasing the level of risks associated with any security tensions in the region.[8]

C – Economic Implications of Incidents and Disruptions

Any disruption to the Strait—whether partial or total—leads to immediate effects on global energy markets, most notably an increase in oil prices. However, such price hikes do not necessarily translate into gains for Iran, as they are often accompanied by a decline in actual export volumes, particularly under the framework of international sanctions. In this sense, the Strait becomes a double-edged sword: a tool of pressure on the global economy, while simultaneously constituting a structural vulnerability for the Iranian economy.[9]

2 – The Impact of the Strait of Hormuz on Global Energy Markets

The Strait of Hormuz represents a strategic chokepoint in the global economic system, through which approximately 21 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products pass daily, accounting for more than one-fifth of the world’s energy needs. In the event of a disruption in flows—even for a short period—or if risks are sufficient to deter oil tanker operators from transiting the strait, markets experience rapid price increases and disruptions in global supply chains.[10]

In such a scenario, major energy-importing countries are particularly affected, especially China, India, Japan, and South Korea, all of which rely heavily on oil and gas shipments from the Gulf via this maritime passage.[11]

3 – Iran’s Economic Strategy Related to the Strait

Iran’s economic strategy relies on a set of policies aimed at maximizing the benefits of its geographical position adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz, including:

A – Diversifying Export Routes

Tehran seeks to develop alternative ports and export terminals, such as the Port of Jask and others, in order to reduce its full dependence on the Strait of Hormuz in the event of crises.[12]

B – Strengthening Infrastructure

Iran is working to upgrade its storage and export facilities to ensure the continuity of exports even during periods of heightened tensions.[13]

C – Using the Strait as a Leverage Tool

Iran occasionally signals its willingness to use threats of disrupting maritime navigation or partially or fully closing the Strait as a bargaining instrument with major international powers. However, such a move is considered economically risky, given its impact on Iran’s own economy as well as on the broader global energy system.

4 – International Economic Dimensions

International relations are, in turn, significantly influenced by the location of the Strait of Hormuz. Control over the strait, or the ability to threaten maritime navigation through it, grants considerable influence over international energy and trade policies. Major powers consistently seek to ensure the security of this passage in order to avoid sharp increases in oil prices and a slowdown in global economic growth. This places Iran in a strategically important yet economically and politically risky bargaining position.

From the above, it becomes clear that the economic dimension of the Strait of Hormuz represents a strategic pillar for Iran. It is not merely a transit route for oil exports, but also a tool of international influence and political leverage. Iran’s economic strategies are directly linked to its ability to influence maritime traffic, diversify export routes, and secure the continuity of national revenues, in line with the principles of realist theory in international relations.

Second: The Political Dimension of the Strait of Hormuz for Iran and Its Regional Influence Strategy

The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most strategically important maritime passages, not only because of its vital role in energy transportation, but also due to its political and geopolitical significance in the interactions of regional and international powers. For Iran in particular, the strait occupies a central position within its political and security strategy, as it has been transformed into an instrument of influence and political leverage used in managing its confrontation with major powers and in reshaping regional balances of power in the Gulf and the Middle East.

Iran does not view the Strait of Hormuz merely as a maritime transit route, but rather as a sovereign-political tool for maximizing its regional influence and compensating for imbalances in traditional power relations.

1 – The Strait of Hormuz in Iranian Strategic and Political Thought
A – Geography as an Element of Political Power

Iran places great importance on geopolitics, and the Strait of Hormuz represents one of its most prominent examples. The strait lies within Iran’s immediate geographical sphere of influence, and its southern coastline overlooks it, granting Iran both a real and perceived capacity to exert influence over it.

In Iranian strategic thought, geography becomes a compensatory factor for relative deficiencies in economic and military power compared to the United States and its allies. This falls within the logic of asymmetric power, where geographical advantages are leveraged to offset structural imbalances in national capabilities.

B – The Strait as Part of Iran’s National Security

Iran officially links the security of the Strait of Hormuz to its national security and has institutionalized this approach in its military doctrines as well as in statements by its political and military leadership. It has repeatedly warned that any threat to Iran will be met with a corresponding threat to maritime security in the strait. This linkage aims to internationalize any potential conflict with Iran, preventing it from remaining confined to its geographic scope and instead extending it to encompass global energy interests.

2 – The Strait of Hormuz as a Political Pressure Tool in Response to Sanctions
A – An Indirect Bargaining Instrument

In the context of U.S. and international sanctions, Iran has used the Strait of Hormuz as an indirect political leverage tool. It maintains a policy of “calculated ambiguity,” keeping the possibility of disrupting maritime navigation open without explicitly declaring any intention to fully close the strait. This implicit threat gives Tehran the ability to increase the cost of sanctions on the international community by signaling potential global economic consequences, particularly for oil and gas markets.

B – Responding to the “Maximum Pressure” Policy

During the U.S. “maximum pressure” campaign, the Strait of Hormuz emerged as a political counter-tool. Iran linked the freedom of its oil exports to the freedom of international navigation, presenting this connection as a political message that depriving Iran of its economic rights would be met with threats to regional stability.[14]

3 – The Strait in the Deterrence Equation with the United States

A – Political Deterrence Before Military Deterrence

Iran does not rely solely on military deterrence in its approach to the Strait of Hormuz, but also on political and psychological deterrence. The repeated discourse surrounding the strait is intended to influence the calculations of American decision-makers and shape their strategic assessments.

B – Transforming the Conflict into an International Issue

The Strait of Hormuz enables Iran to transform any bilateral conflict with the United States into an issue of international security, given the global economy’s dependence on the stability of navigation through the strait.

4 – The Strait and Strengthening Iran’s Regional Role in the Gulf

A – Imposing the “No Security Without Iran” Equation

Iran seeks to establish a political equation based on the idea that Gulf security—and the security of the Strait of Hormuz—cannot be achieved without its participation. It rejects security initiatives that exclude it, aiming instead to position itself as an indispensable actor in any regional security architecture.

B – Managing Relations with Gulf Cooperation Council States

The Strait of Hormuz plays a dual role in Iran–Gulf relations, functioning both as a tool of political deterrence and as a channel for negotiation and the potential development of regional security arrangements.

5 – The Strait of Hormuz within Iran’s Broader Regional Influence Strategy

A – Integration with Indirect Influence

The political role of the Strait of Hormuz is integrated into Iran’s strategy of expanding indirect influence through regional allies, thereby strengthening its negotiating position at the international level.

B – The Strait as a Balancing Tool Against Competing Regional Powers

The Strait provides Iran with the ability to balance the influence of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in the Gulf and to limit their political freedom of action in confronting Tehran.

The Strait of Hormuz thus represents a cornerstone of Iran’s political dimension within its strategic framework, as it is transformed into an instrument of influence and political deterrence used to impose recognition of Iran’s regional role and enhance its bargaining position.

Third: The Security and Military Dimension of the Strait of Hormuz for Iran

The security and military dimension represents a fundamental element in Iran’s strategy for safeguarding its national security and protecting its interests in the Gulf region. The Strait of Hormuz is not merely an economic passage; it is also a strategic stronghold that Iran partially influences through its military capabilities, enabling it to exercise regional and international deterrence.

According to realist theory, Iran seeks to maximize its military power and control vital chokepoints to secure its interests, particularly within an imbalanced international system where power constitutes the primary guarantee of national security.

1 – Iranian Military Capabilities

A – Naval Forces

• A fleet of small, fast boats equipped with missile weaponry.
• Medium-sized frigates equipped with radars and anti-ship missiles.
• Small submarines that can be used for sabotage operations and deterrence.

B – Coastal Missile Systems

• Short- and medium-range surface-to-sea missiles covering the entire Strait.
• The capability to target both commercial and military vessels in the event of escalation.
• These systems form part of a deterrence strategy aimed at preventing any actor from gaining full control over the Strait.

C – Naval Mines

• The use of mines as a form of asymmetric warfare to disrupt maritime navigation.
• Mines function as a tactical pressure tool during regional conflicts or periods of heightened tension.

2 – Deterrence and Control Strategies

A – Indirect Deterrence

• Using military capabilities to send signals of strength without engaging in direct conflict.
• Conducting naval exercises to demonstrate readiness and deterrent capability.

B – Asymmetric Warfare

• Tactics based on speed and surprise to counter larger naval forces.
• Employing small boats, coastal missiles, and naval mines to achieve maximum impact at minimal cost.

C – Partial Control of Navigation

• The ability to partially disrupt maritime traffic in order to exert political and economic pressure.
• Using this capability as a bargaining tool in international and regional negotiations.

D – Security Threats and Challenges

• External military intervention: the possibility of U.S. or allied intervention to secure freedom of navigation.
• Potential maritime incidents: collisions or accidents that could lead to unintended escalation.
• International monitoring and media scrutiny: any Iranian military activity in the strait is under global observation, which limits operational freedom and increases political complexity.

3 – Regional and International Security Dimensions

• The Strait of Hormuz is a highly sensitive security point that directly affects both regional and global energy security.
• Iran uses the strait as a leverage tool to maximize its influence, yet it faces the challenge of maintaining a balance between deterrence and avoiding escalation.
• Major international powers continuously monitor any Iranian military activity to ensure the stability of oil supplies and to prevent direct conflict.

4 – Future Scenarios

A – Continuation of the Current Deterrence Model

Iran relies on threats and military exercises to maintain its influence and deterrent posture.

B – Limited Escalation

This could include partial disruption of the Strait or limited military operations in response to external threats.

C – International Security Cooperation

International pressure may lead to de-escalation efforts, potentially involving Iran in mechanisms aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation.

D – Military Capability Development

Iran may further expand its naval fleet and missile capabilities to strengthen its deterrence power and secure long-term strategic interests.

In conclusion, the security and military dimension constitutes a fundamental pillar of Iran’s strategy to enhance both its security and regional influence. The combination of naval forces, coastal missile systems, naval mines, and the ability to partially control maritime navigation provides Iran with multiple tools to influence the Strait and negotiate at both regional and international levels. This aligns with the principles of realist theory, which emphasizes national security and the pursuit of supreme interests within an imbalanced international system.

Conclusion

It becomes clear from this article that the Strait of Hormuz represents a multidimensional strategic instrument for Iran, encompassing economic, political, security, and military dimensions. This reflects the nature of state policy in seeking to maximize power and safeguard national interests. According to realist theory in international relations, state behavior is primarily determined by considerations of power and national interest, a pattern that is clearly manifested in Iran’s strategy toward the Strait.

Partial control or the ability to influence maritime navigation enables Iran to strengthen its regional influence, affect international energy policies, and use the Strait as a political and economic bargaining chip in confronting sanctions and Western pressure. Moreover, Iran’s asymmetric military and security strategies—including fast boats, coastal missile systems, and naval mines—underscore its commitment to realist principles that prioritize power enhancement as a means of survival and securing national interests in an anarchic and multipolar international environment.

In conclusion, understanding the dynamics of the Strait of Hormuz through a realist lens allows for an interpretation of Iran’s behavior as that of a state actor seeking to leverage its geographical position and various sources of power to protect its interests, expand its influence, and ensure its regional and international deterrent capabilities. In this sense, the Strait is not merely a maritime passage, but a practical model illustrating the concepts of power, national interest, and deterrence that lie at the core of realist theory.

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