What's the Strait of Hormuz? And how do blockades work?

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical maritime chokepoint, facilitating the transport of approximately 20% of the world's oil and natural gas. Despite its global economic importance, the waterway lacks clear legal ownership, functioning as an international passage under maritime norms that Iran frequently contests. Recent military escalations between the United States and Iran have transformed this region into a site of volatile geopolitical maneuvering. While the U.S. has implemented a naval blockade to pressure the Iranian economy, such actions exist in a gray area of international law, often blurring the lines between legitimate security measures and acts of aggression. The resulting disruption to shipping routes, characterized by increased tolls and security risks, highlights the fragility of global trade when dependent on narrow, contested geographic corridors.