Europe stands on edge as Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the busiest and most important sea routes in the world. It is a narrow passage, but almost a third of the world’s oil passes through it every day. This small waterway links the Persian Gulf to the open seas and plays a key role in the global energy system.
If the Strait of Hormuz gets blocked, the effects would be huge and immediate. Many countries would face serious energy troubles. Europe, in particular, stands in a very risky position. It relies heavily on oil and gas flowing through this narrow strait. Any disruption in this area can quickly cause shortages.
Before the Ukraine war, Europe depended mostly on oil and gas from Russia. When the war started and sanctions were imposed, Europe had to find new sources of energy. Europe then turned to the United States and the Middle East to meet its growing energy demands.
Europe’s Dependence on Hormuz Trade
A big part of Europe’s current oil and gas now comes through the Strait of Hormuz. Reports suggest that about 18% of Europe’s oil and 15% of its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) are shipped through this passage. If the Strait is blocked, Europe’s energy supply could be seriously affected. The Middle Eastern oil would no longer reach European ports, leading to quick shortages.
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Without Russian supplies and with the Middle Eastern routes cut off, Europe would need to depend even more on the United States for energy. This shift would not only create serious energy problems but also change Europe’s energy relationships. The U.S. would become a major source of oil and gas for Europe, giving it even more influence in Europe’s energy markets.
The idea that the United States could benefit from such a blockade has drawn global attention. Some believe that while the U.S. may not directly want the Strait to be blocked, it could quietly gain from the situation. If Europe is forced to buy more oil and gas from the U.S., it could make the U.S. stronger in the global energy game.
This possible energy shift is important because it could leave Europe in a weaker position. The sudden cut in supply would limit Europe’s choices. Europe, which had moved quickly away from Russian energy, would now find itself tied more closely to the U.S.
The Strait of Hormuz is not just a sea route—it is a pressure point that can change the direction of energy flow worldwide. When this strait is blocked or threatened, the first to feel the heat could be Europe.
China’s Energy Shields and Backup Routes
China is another big player in the energy market linked to the Strait of Hormuz. A large part of China’s oil and gas also passes through this narrow waterway. It is estimated that around 50% of China’s oil and about 12% of its LNG are transported through this route.
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At first glance, this seems like China would be in a dangerous position if the Strait is blocked. However, China has made several moves to protect itself from such risks. Unlike Europe, China has built backup energy systems that make it less vulnerable to disruptions in the Strait.
China has developed strong pipeline networks that bring oil and gas from neighboring countries by land. These pipelines do not rely on sea routes and help China maintain a steady supply even if the Strait of Hormuz is not available.
In addition, China has long-term energy agreements with multiple countries. These deals help China continue to receive oil and gas from different sources. China also buys a lot of oil from Russia, which does not pass through the Strait of Hormuz. These direct land routes from Russia keep China’s energy needs safe, even during sea route problems.
This system of backup pipelines and supply agreements makes China much stronger in handling energy shocks. Even if the Strait is blocked, China can keep its energy flowing through other routes.
Minimal Energy Backup for Europe
Europe, in contrast, has no such land-based backup. After moving away from Russian energy, Europe became more dependent on the Middle East and the United States. With the Middle Eastern oil cut off due to a blockade, Europe would have limited options.
China’s strategy shows a careful preparation for such global energy risks. By building these alternate routes, China has protected itself against energy supply shocks.
In this situation, while both Europe and China would face energy shortages from a Strait blockade, China’s backup plans would help it survive better. Europe would feel the energy pinch much harder and faster.
US Strategic Interests in Europe & Energy Puzzle
The United States plays a central role in this energy story. If the Strait of Hormuz is blocked, the country that could gain the most is likely the U.S. While a blockade would affect oil and gas supplies for many countries, the U.S. stands in a stronger position.
Europe would face an immediate energy problem. Its reliance on the Middle East would suddenly become a weakness. With the Strait closed, Europe would have no easy access to oil from that region. The U.S. could step in to fill the gap.
The U.S. is a major producer of oil and gas. It already supplies energy to Europe, but in smaller amounts compared to the Middle East. If Europe’s Middle Eastern supply stops, the demand for U.S. energy would rise sharply. Europe would need to buy more from the U.S. to keep its energy needs met.
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This situation would give the U.S. a much stronger position in Europe’s energy markets. By becoming Europe’s key supplier, the U.S. could build deeper energy ties and gain greater influence over Europe’s energy policies.
Some observers suggest that while the U.S. may not officially support a blockade, it could benefit from the situation. A disruption in the Strait of Hormuz would likely force Europe to rely more on American energy.
China, on the other hand, would not face the same level of damage. Its backup pipelines and energy agreements with other countries would keep its energy supplies more stable. The U.S. energy companies would also gain from the higher global prices that usually come when supply lines are blocked.
The Strait of Hormuz, though small on the map, holds great power over the energy flows of the world. A blockage in this narrow waterway can cause energy shortages and shift the balance of power among countries.
The situation highlights how closely energy, geography, and global strategy are tied together. The U.S., Europe, and China all have different levels of exposure and different ways to deal with the risks connected to this critical sea route