Why This Narrow Strait Next to Iran Is So Critical to the World’s Oil Supply
By News
Published 5 years ago on
July 8, 2019
Share
[aggregation-styles]
The New York Times
The New York Times
Twenty percent of the global oil supply flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow stretch of water that separates Persian Gulf countries like Iran, Iraq and Kuwait from the rest of the world.
From May 15 to June 15, more than 1,000 tanker ships traveled the strait. Many were destined for places as far away as China and South Korea.
The gulf region has been rocked by instability in recent months, threatening the flow of oil through the strait. Six tankers have been attacked since May amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.
In the past year, the United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran meant to cripple the country over its nuclear program. Some of the measures have targeted the country’s oil exports, long the lifeblood of its economy. Iran, in defiance, said on Sunday that it would begin enriching uranium at higher levels, breaching an international accord.
From May 15 to June 15, more than 1,000 tanker ships traveled the strait. Many were destined for places as far away as China and South Korea.
The gulf region has been rocked by instability in recent months, threatening the flow of oil through the strait. Six tankers have been attacked since May amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.
In the past year, the United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran meant to cripple the country over its nuclear program. Some of the measures have targeted the country’s oil exports, long the lifeblood of its economy. Iran, in defiance, said on Sunday that it would begin enriching uranium at higher levels, breaching an international accord.
By Karl Russell, Denise Lu & Anjali Singhvi | 7 July 2019
RELATED TOPICS:
LA Judge Deals a Blow to Law Allowing Duplexes in Single-Family Tracts
Housing /
3 hours ago
US Announces New Patriot Missiles for Ukraine as Part of New $6 Billion Aid Package
World /
3 hours ago
Andy Reid and Taylor Swift Agree: Fresno’s Xavier Worthy Is a Great 1st-Round Draft Pick
Sports /
4 hours ago
Egypt Sends Delegation to Israel, Its Latest Effort to Broker a Cease-Fire Between Israel and Hamas
World /
4 hours ago
Antony Blinken Meets With China’s President Xi as US, China Spar Over Bilateral and Global Issues
U.S. /
5 hours ago
Key Questions About CA Budget Deficit Unanswered as Deadlines Loom
Opinion /
8 hours ago
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s 6 Shutout Innings Help Dodgers Finish Sweep, Defeat Nats 2-1
WASHINGTON — Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched six shutout innings, and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Washington Nationals 2-1 on Thursday t...
Sports /
3 mins ago
Categories
Latest
Videos
Sports /
3 mins ago
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s 6 Shutout Innings Help Dodgers Finish Sweep, Defeat Nats 2-1
Sports /
11 mins ago
The 49ers Add Florida Receiver Ricky Pearsall With the 30th Draft Pick
Politics /
20 mins ago
Political Stunt, Egg on His Face, Personal Vendetta. Who’s Fresno DA Talking About?
Housing /
3 hours ago
LA Judge Deals a Blow to Law Allowing Duplexes in Single-Family Tracts
World /
3 hours ago
US Announces New Patriot Missiles for Ukraine as Part of New $6 Billion Aid Package
Sports /
4 hours ago