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Why Passing Through the Strait of Hormuz Is Currently So Difficult

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for 20% of the world's oil, is effectively closed as Iran controls ship passage. The conflict's impact spans from Middle East airstrikes and drone attacks to global trade disruptions and civilian evacuations.

·4 min read
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Why is it so hard to pass through the Strait of Hormuz?

Approximately 20% of the global oil supply typically transits the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow maritime passage located between Iran and the horn-like tip of the Arabian Peninsula.

At present, the strait is effectively closed, with Iran controlling which vessels are permitted to pass. This situation is having repercussions worldwide.

The BBC's Diplomatic Correspondent Paul Adams provides insight into why navigating this critical shipping route has become so perilous.

Why is Israel targeting Lebanon's bridges?

Israeli forces have been ordered to destroy the crossings over the Litani River, which were reportedly being used by Hezbollah to transport reinforcements.

Gazans urged to shelter as sandstorm turns skies orange

Displaced Palestinians have been advised to secure their tents to prevent them from being blown away as a sandstorm sweeps across the Gaza enclave, turning the skies orange.

BBC visits key Dubai port in Iran's firing line

Trade at the Middle East's largest port has suffered significantly since Iran imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz.

UK does not 'agree with Trump on every issue' - Cooper

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper responded to President Trump's criticism of the UK’s handling of the conflict involving Iran, stating that the UK does not align with Trump on every matter.

Kuwaiti government high-rise hit by Iranian drone

Video footage captured flames engulfing a high-rise government building in Kuwait during the early hours of Sunday, following a series of attacks on the Gulf state attributed to Iranian drones.

Watch: Huge flames in Tehran after air strikes on oil depots

Social media videos show large flames and thick smoke rising above Tehran’s skyline after air strikes targeted oil depots in the city.

Watch: Moment of drone strike close to Dubai Airport

A video recorded by a witness and verified by the BBC depicts a drone crashing near Dubai Airport.

Fires rage in Tehran as Mehrabad Airport hit

Explosions shook Tehran overnight as airstrikes struck Mehrabad Airport, the city’s busiest airport.

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Beirut evacuees 'sleeping in tents and cars'

Some residents of Dahieh, a suburb of Beirut, have evacuated their homes amid ongoing Israeli air strikes, reportedly sleeping in tents and vehicles.

Watch: How war in Iran may affect food and fuel prices

BBC correspondent Nick Marsh examines how unrest in the Middle East could influence living costs worldwide, including food and fuel prices.

'This is war': BBC speaks to Iranians at border

Iranians fleeing their country have shared with the BBC their experiences of life under bombardment.

Destruction in Beirut after overnight strikes

The Israeli military announced it launched "a wave of strikes" hours after ordering civilians in a large area of southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately.

Watch: Heavy gunfire heard as BBC reports from border of Israel and Lebanon

From Metula, an Israeli town on the Lebanon border, BBC reporter Jon Donnison heard what resembled intense gunfire, indicative of a full-scale battle.

Watch: How the US-Israel war with Iran is jeopardising shipping

Ben Chu investigates the impact of the conflict on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital trade route.

Watch: 'It was petrifying': Brits stuck in Dubai speak to the BBC

The UK Government has advised British nationals in Dubai to "shelter in place and register your presence" as all flights from Dubai have been suspended until further notice.

Watch: Devastation on Tehran street after strike

Air strikes continue in Tehran following the initial joint combat operations launched by the US and Israel on 28 February.

Israel strikes Beirut, prompting residents to flee

Explosions and rising smoke were visible in Beirut after Israel began targeting what it described as Hezbollah positions in the country.

Watch: Iranian Americans celebrate on the streets of Los Angeles

On the second day of the conflict, Iranian Americans in Los Angeles were seen dancing in the streets.

BBC reports from Beit Shemesh after deadly Iranian missile strike

Emergency services report that at least nine people were killed and 27 injured in a missile strike on the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh.

Monuments toppled and celebratory dancing in Iran's streets

Following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in his office on Saturday morning during a US-Israel attack, celebrations erupted in several Iranian cities.

This article was sourced from bbc

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