How does the geography of the Strait of Hormuz affect its role in global shipping?

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The Strait of Hormuz is 35 to 60 miles wide, with shipping lanes mostly in Omani territorial waters and governed by international maritime law. Iran controls the strait north of the shipping lanes and Oman the south. The depth of the strait (200 to 330 feet [60 to 100 meters]) throughout much of its width makes it difficult for any country, including Iran, to disrupt shipping for a prolonged period of time.