India, April 13 -- The Strait of Hormuz, a mere 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, is a maritime chokepoint of immense strategic importance. It serves as the gateway for roughly a third of the world's seaborne oil exports, primarily from Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq.

This narrow waterway has long been a flashpoint for regional rivalries and global power struggles. Any disruption or closure, whether due to conflict, instability, or tactical manoeuvering, can send shockwaves through oil markets, drive up insurance costs, and trigger military responses.

In this context, the "Hormuz Gambit" has emerged as a potent tool of Iranian statecraft, taking on renewed significance in 2025 amid escalating tens...