SAUDI ARABIA SAYS TWO OIL TANKERS ATTACKED NEAR UAE

Prelims level : Geography Mains level :
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Why in News:

  • Saudi Arabia said two of its oil tankers (near hormuz strait) came under attack off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, describing the assault as a “dangerous threat” to the security of international crude supplies as regional tensions spike in the Gulf.

Background: / Hormuz strait:

  • Contiguous Landmass: Iran and the UAE.
  • Joining Seas/Water Bodies: The Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf

Importance of strait of Hormuz:

  • The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important strait or narrow strip of water that
    links the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.
  • The strait is only 21 to 60 miles (33 to 95 km) wide throughout its length. The Strait of Hormuz is important because it is a geographic choke point and a main artery for the transport of oil from the Middle East.
  • Iran and Oman are the countries nearest to the Strait of Hormuz and share territorial rights over the waters.
  • Due to its importance, Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz several times in recent history.
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