Fact Check: "The shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz is just two miles (three km) wide in either direction."
What We Know
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically significant waterway located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It serves as the only maritime passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, making it crucial for global oil transportation. The strait is approximately 90 nautical miles (167 km) long, with its narrowest point measuring about 21 nautical miles (39 km) wide. However, the shipping lanes within the strait are much narrower, with each lane being approximately two miles (three km) wide in either direction, separated by a median of the same width (Wikipedia, Reuters, AP News).
Analysis
The claim that the shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz is just two miles wide in either direction is substantiated by multiple credible sources. According to the AP News, the width of the shipping lane in either direction is indeed only three kilometers (two miles) (AP News). This is corroborated by reports from Reuters and other reputable outlets, which consistently state that the shipping lanes are two miles wide (Reuters, Economic Times%20wide%20in%20either%20direction.)).
The sources cited are reliable and well-regarded in their respective fields. For instance, AP News is a respected news agency known for its factual reporting, while Reuters is a leading global news organization that provides comprehensive coverage of international events. Wikipedia, while a useful starting point for information, is generally considered less reliable due to its open-edit nature; however, the information provided aligns with that from more authoritative sources.
The consistency across multiple sources enhances the credibility of the claim. There are no significant contradictions found in the available literature regarding the dimensions of the shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The assertion that the shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz is just two miles (three km) wide in either direction is accurate. This is supported by multiple credible sources that confirm the dimensions of the shipping lanes within this vital maritime route.
Sources
- Strait of Hormuz
- Strait of Hormuz: the world's most important oil artery
- AP EXPLAINS: Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route
- Strait of Hormuz: The world's most important oil artery%20wide%20in%20either%20direction.)
- Closure of Strait of Hormuz seriously being reviewed by ...
- Strait of Hormuz - History and Importance
- Strait of Hormuz - About the Strait
- Iran plans to block the Strait of Hormuz