Fact Check: "The Strait of Hormuz is located between Oman and Iran and connects the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea."
What We Know
The Strait of Hormuz is indeed a narrow strait located between Oman and Iran. It serves as a critical maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and subsequently to the Arabian Sea. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the strait is approximately 90 nautical miles long and varies in width from about 52 nautical miles to 21 nautical miles. It is one of the world's most strategically important chokepoints, with a significant volume of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transit occurring through it. In 2022, around 21 million barrels of oil per day passed through the strait, accounting for about 21% of global petroleum liquids consumption (EIA).
The geographical positioning of the Strait of Hormuz is such that Iran borders it to the north and the Musandam Peninsula (part of Oman) lies to the south (Wikipedia). This strategic location has made it a focal point for international maritime trade and energy security.
Analysis
The claim that the Strait of Hormuz is located between Oman and Iran and connects the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea is supported by multiple credible sources. The U.S. Energy Information Administration provides detailed statistics on oil transit through the strait, emphasizing its importance in global energy markets. Additionally, the Wikipedia entry corroborates the geographical details, stating that the strait provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.
The reliability of these sources is high. The U.S. Energy Information Administration is a reputable government agency that specializes in energy data and analysis, while Wikipedia, although user-edited, is generally well-sourced and frequently updated, particularly on geographical and historical topics. Other sources, such as Britannica and BOE Report%20wide%20in%20either%20direction.), also confirm the claim, further validating its accuracy.
However, it is essential to note that while Wikipedia is a useful starting point, it should be cross-referenced with primary and authoritative sources for academic or critical research. In this case, the corroborating data from established organizations like the EIA and Britannica lend additional credibility to the claim.
Conclusion
The claim that "The Strait of Hormuz is located between Oman and Iran and connects the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea" is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms the geographical and functional aspects of the strait, highlighting its significance as a vital maritime route for global oil and gas transportation.
