The Strait of Hormuz is a critical choke point for global energy markets, but there are ways to get around it

(Credit: Hasan Shirvani—AFP/Getty Images)

• Iran still has significant leverage after the U.S. bombing of its nuclear facilities over the weekend. A top target would be the Strait of Hormuz, a critical choke point in the global energy trade that could be blocked by Iran. But alternative routes exist that could help mitigate any closure.

The Strait of Hormuz avoided Tehran’s initial response to the U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend, sending oil prices lower.