“The Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Bab al-Mandeb and related passages are essential routes for global energy exports, food imports, industry and trade.”

Media reportsNews reportMay 18, 2026Read the original

A description of Gulf and Red Sea shipping routes during the Iran war.

Our verdict

True

Hormuz carries about a quarter of seaborne oil trade, and Bab al-Mandeb carries significant food, fertiliser and energy cargo.

What we found

UNCTAD and energy agencies describe both straits as critical chokepoints. The claim is a general description and is accurate.

The evidence

2 of 2 sources support the claim; none contradict it.

Contradict 0Support 2Background 0

Supports the claim
Hormuz disruptions increase risks for energy, fertilisers and vulnerable economies, UNCTAD says. [1]
Supports the claim
Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab are the two chokepoints of global trade and energy. [2]

How we checked

We checked the claim against Annahar, Engineering News. We reviewed 2 relevant sources.

Sources

[1]Engineering News · Strait of Hormuz disruptions increase risks for energy, fertilisers and vulnerable economies - UNCTAD
[2]Annahar · Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab: the two choke points of global trade and energy

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