France, March 29 -- The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage between Iran and the Musandam Governorate, an exclave of Oman, around 40 kilometres wide with just two navigable channels. And yet, a fifth of the world's oil passes through it, coming from the Gulf states and Iran.
Iran partially closed it in response to Israeli-American aggression, but in a letter sent to the International Maritime Organization on 25 March, Tehran announced that "non-hostile" vessels may now use it, provided they comply with safety regulations.
The immediate consequences of its closure were stranded oil tankers, and a global economy under strain.
Speaking to UK newspaper The Guardian, former US defence secretary Leon Panetta lambasted US P...