Strait of Hormuz becomes geopolitical faultline

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a critical faultline in the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. As a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to global oceans, the strait facilitates the flow of approximately 20 percent of the world's oil and gas during peacetime.

Security experts note that the ability to disrupt global trade through this chokepoint no longer requires traditional naval power; instead, shore-based missiles, drones, and sea mines can be used by actors to threaten maritime corridors. To maintain open sea lanes, the United States and its allies are focused on deterring closures and developing bypass routes and reserves to mitigate economic damage.

Amidst the geopolitical and military focus, local communities and landscapes along the coast—including Hormuz, Hengam Island, and Bandar Abbas—face the risk of being overlooked. Iranian photographers are working to document the region's unique traditions, such as the fishing communities and volcanic landscapes, to preserve the human element of a region often reduced to headlines about military strategy and energy markets.