TALMADGE Caitlin <br/><br/>
Closing time :  assessing the Iranian threat to the Strait of Hormuz / 
Caitlin Talmadge 
 -  2008 
<br/><br/> This article considers whether and in what circumstances Iran might close or block the Strait of Hormuz. Located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's great maritime chokepoints through which 90% of all gulf oil exports is carried by tankers. Analysis of open source data suggests Iran has the capacity to close or at least seriously disrupt the Strait. U.S. efforts to reopen the seaway would likely escalate quickly into large scale military operations with costly and complex consequences. Concludes by suggesting some changes in U.S. force structure and defence policy in the region. 
<br/><br/><label>Subjects--Topical Terms: </label><br/>PERSIAN GULF<br/>STRAITS OF HORMUZ<br/>CHOKEPOINTS<br/>OIL EXPORTS<br/>SEA LINES OF COMMUNICATION