The Strait of Hormuz has been weaponized before. A look at past disruptions to the critical oil waterway

"Iran has ground to a halt nearly all traffic in the waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the rest of the globe's oceans, shutting down a critical path for the world's flow of oil. Attacks on commercial ships and threats of further strikes have stopped nearly all tankers from carrying oil, gas and other goods through the passage."

"While Iran and Oman both have territory in the Strait of Hormuz, its narrow shipping channels are viewed as international waters through which all ships can travel. Still, Tehran holds significant influence over the passage through its nearby military presence and control of key islands in the area."

"Roughly a fifth of the world's oil traveled through the Strait of Hormuz before the war, and strains on supply have sent fuel prices soaring."

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to global oceans, has been largely shut down by Iran during its conflict with the U.S. and Israel. Attacks on commercial ships and threats of further strikes have prevented tankers from transporting oil, gas, and other goods through the passage. This disruption has forced production cuts from major oil producers with nowhere to send their crude. While Iran and Oman have territory in the strait, it is considered international waters. Tehran maintains significant influence through military presence and control of key islands. Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil previously traveled through this passage, and supply constraints have driven fuel prices substantially higher.

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