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.