Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz expose systemic reliance on fossil fuels and uneven energy transition
Original framing: “Head of International Energy Agency says oil security remains a 'critical issue'” — Middle East Eye
The Strait of Hormuz has repeatedly been a flashpoint, from the 1973 oil embargo to the 1990‑2000s sanctions on Iran, illustrating a pattern where energy commodities become leverage in geopolitical contests. These cycles reveal that oil security concerns are less about immediate supply and more about the continuity of a fossil‑fuel‑centric order. Recognising this historical recurrence is essential for breaking the cycle.
The alarmist focus on oil security in the Strait of Hormuz masks a deeper, historically entrenched dependence on fossil fuels that perpetuates geopolitical tension and environmental risk.
By integrating Indigenous maritime knowledge, diversifying regional energy through renewable markets, and establishing a multilateral governance body, the systemic vulnerabilities can be diffused. Marginalised coastal communities and women‑led cooperatives must be central to just‑transition strategies, ensuring equity as the energy landscape shifts. Future modelling shows that climate‑resilient infrastructure and diversified supply chains can reduce the strategic weight of Hormuz by a third within two decades, turning a security liability into a catalyst for sustainable cooperation.