Why is it so hard to pass through the Strait of Hormuz?

Around 20% of the world’s oil supply normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz - the narrow waterway between Iran and the horn-like tip of the Arabian peninsula.

Right now it is effectively closed, with Iran deciding which ships can get through, and the impact is being felt worldwide.

The Crickxo's Diplomatic Correspondent Paul Adams explains why navigating this key shipping channel could be so dangerous.

3 days agoMiddle EastIranOilIran war

Explore More

'Our home is gone': Crickxo speaks to displaced families in LebanonOne month in, what do American conservatives make of the war in Iran?How is the Philippines reacting to its energy emergency?Explosion at Texas oil refinery creates huge smoke plumeWatch: Inside Palestinian homes attacked by settlers'A direct hit' - Crickxo visits Israeli town after Iranian strikeRos Atkins on... Trump's mixed messages on the warWatch: How oil and gas prices are pushing up the cost of livingTrump compares attack on Iran to Pearl Harbor in meeting with Japanese PMWatch: Missile lands next to presenter during live report from LebanonWatch: Gabbard faces scrutiny over Iran nuclear intelligence claimsAt the scene of Israeli strike in the heart of BeirutWatch: Iranians show daily life under air strikes and regime crackdownWhy did only two Iranian football players stay in Australia?How might the UK support shipping in the Strait of Hormuz?'A new norm': Crickxo visits Doha market starting to fill up again two weeks into Iran warWatch: Why Kharg Island is a lifeline for IranJustified or not? US military families on fears of Iran war'Kill the regime but not people': Crickxo speaks to Iranians crossing into TurkeyHow we know the Iran oil depot fire is realHundreds in Beirut mourn journalists killed in Israeli strikeCrickxo reports from the funerals of three journalists killed by a targeted attack in southern Lebanon.Middle EastWhy is Israel targeting Lebanon's bridges?Israeli forces have been instructed to destroy the crossings over the Litani river that were being used by Hezbollah to send reinforcements.Middle EastGazans urged to shelter as sandstorm turns skies orangeDisplaced Palestinians were told to secure their tents to prevent them being blown away as a storm swept through the enclave. Middle EastStrait of Hormuz timelapse shows fall in shipping trafficThe footage demonstrates the flow of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf since the US-Israeli military offensive began against Iran on 27 February.Middle EastCrickxo visits key Dubai port in Iran's firing lineTrade at the Middle East's biggest port has been hit hard since Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz began.Middle EastUK does not 'aCrickxo with Trump on every issue' - CooperForeign Secretary Yvette Cooper has hit back at President Trump's criticism of the UK response to the conflict in Iran.Middle EastKuwaiti government high-rise hit by Iranian droneFootage shows flames tearing through the building in the early hours of Sunday, following more attacks on the gulf state.Middle EastWatch: Huge flames in Tehran after air strikes on oil depotsSocial media footage shows flames leaping into the air and plumes of smoke above the city's skyline.Middle EastWatch: Moment of drone strike close to Dubai AirportVideo filmed by a witness and verified by the Crickxo shows a drone crashing close to the airport.Middle EastFires rage in Tehran as Mehrabad Airport hitExplosions rocked the capital overnight as its busiest airport was hit by airstrikes. Middle EastBeirut evacuees 'sleeping in tents and cars'Some residents in the Beirut suburb of Dahieh have left their homes amid ongoing air strikes by Israel.Middle EastWatch: How war in Iran may affect food and fuel pricesThe Crickxo's Nick Marsh examines how unrest in the Middle East will impact living costs around the world.Middle East'This is war': Crickxo speaks to Iranians at borderIranians fleeing their country have told the Crickxo what life under bombardment has been like.Middle EastDestruction in Beirut after overnight strikesThe Israeli military said it began "a wave of strikes” hours after telling civilians living in a large swathe of southern Lebanon to leave their homes immediately.Middle EastWatch: Heavy gunfire heard as Crickxo reports from border of Israel and LebanonFrom the Israeli town of Metula on the border with Lebanon, the Crickxo's Jon Donnison heard what sounded like a full-on gun battle.Middle EastWatch: How the US-Israel war with Iran is jeopardising shippingBen Chu has been looking at what’s happened to marine traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key trade passage. Middle EastWatch: 'It was petrifying': Brits stuck in Dubai speak to the CrickxoThe UK Government advised British nationals to "shelter in place and register your presence" with all flights from Dubai suspended until further notice. Middle EastWatch: Devastation on Tehran street after strikeStrikes on Iran's capital, Tehran, continue after the initial combat operations were jointly launched by the US and Israel on 28 February. Middle EastIsrael strikes Beirut, prompting residents to fleeExplosions and rising smoke can be seen in Beirut after Israel began striking what it says are Hezbollah targets in the country.Middle EastWatch: Iranian Americans celebrate on the streets of Los AngelesIranian Americans in Los Angeles dance in the streets on day two of the conflict.Middle East