Strait of Hormuz blockade and other major naval sieges in modern times

A narrow waterway, once carrying a significant portion of the world's oil and gas, remains closed due to competing naval blockades imposed by the United States and Iran. These blockades are a long-standing tactic in warfare, requiring no ground troops or invasion, and have reshaped economies, societies, and alliances across generations. Notable examples include Israel's ongoing siege of the Gaza Strip and the blockade of Biafra during the Nigerian Civil War, which led to widespread starvation and humanitarian crises.