Tucked between Iran and Oman, the Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but vital maritime passage that quietly carries a heavy burden.

More than 20% of the world’s oil supply flows through this slender waterway every day.

It’s just 33 kilometers wide—a geographic point with global economic consequences. As tensions between Iran and Israel escalate, the world is once again reminded of how fragile the flow of energy truly is—and how countries like Pakistan could be affected in the event of a disruption.

To reduce dependence on this strategic choke point, both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have invested in alternate export routes. Saudi Aramco’s East-West pipeline—stretching from the oil-processing hub of Abqaiq to the Red Sea port of Yanbu—can now carry up to 7 million barrels per day, especially........

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