Fact Check: The Strait of Hormuz is 21 miles (33 km) wide at its narrowest point, with the shipping lane just two miles (three km) wide in either direction.

Fact Check: "The Strait of Hormuz is 21 miles (33 km) wide at its narrowest point, with the shipping lane just two miles (three km) wide in either direction."

What We Know

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. According to multiple sources, the strait is approximately 21 miles (33 kilometers) wide at its narrowest point (AP News, Al Jazeera). The shipping lanes within the strait are indeed narrower, measuring just two miles (three kilometers) wide in either direction, separated by a two-mile-wide median (Reuters%20wide%20in%20either%20direction.), Wikipedia). This configuration makes the Strait of Hormuz one of the world's most significant maritime chokepoints, through which a substantial portion of global oil trade passes.

Analysis

The claim about the dimensions of the Strait of Hormuz is corroborated by several reliable sources. The AP News article explicitly states that the strait is 33 kilometers wide at its narrowest point and that the shipping lanes are only 3 kilometers wide in each direction. This information is further supported by Reuters%20wide%20in%20either%20direction.) and Wikipedia, both of which provide consistent measurements.

The reliability of these sources is high. AP News is a well-respected news organization known for its factual reporting, while Reuters and Wikipedia are also credible, with Wikipedia's information being regularly updated and verified by contributors. The consistency across these sources strengthens the validity of the claim.

However, it is important to note that while Wikipedia is a valuable resource, it can be edited by anyone, which may introduce the potential for inaccuracies. Nonetheless, the information regarding the dimensions of the Strait of Hormuz is corroborated by multiple independent sources, reducing the likelihood of misinformation.

Conclusion

The claim that "The Strait of Hormuz is 21 miles (33 km) wide at its narrowest point, with the shipping lane just two miles (three km) wide in either direction" is True. This is supported by multiple reliable sources that provide consistent measurements of the strait and its shipping lanes.

Sources

1. Strait of Hormuz: the world's most important oil artery - Reuters%20wide%20in%20either%20direction.)
2. Strait of Hormuz - Wikipedia
3. AP EXPLAINS: Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route
4. What is the Strait of Hormuz, could it factor into Israel-Iran ...
5. Strait of Hormuz - History and Importance
6. The Strait of Hormuz | Overview, Importance & Facts
7. The Strait of Hormuz: what you need to know
8. Strait of Hormuz - About the Strait