Ap Human Iran Flashcards

Strait of Hormuz

A 21 mile-wide waterway through which 20% of the world’s daily petroleum supply passes.

Geopolitics

Politics and international relations as influenced by geographical factors.

OPEC

Organization of petroleum-exporting nations that coordinates oil production and influences global prices.

Proven Reserves

The total estimated amount of oil that can be extracted using current technology. 

Chokepoint

A narrow maritime route where traffic can easily be blocked or restricted. 

Resource Concentration: What percentage of the world's proven crude oil reserves are located in the countries surrounding the Persian Gulf?

50-60% of the world’s proven crude oil reserves are located in the countries surrounding the Persian Gulf.

Economic Advantage: Why is oil extraction in the Persian Gulf generally cheaper per barrel compared to deep-sea ocean drilling or oil sands?

Oil extraction is cheaper in the Persian Gulf because the oil is closer to the surface rather than having to go deep-sea ocean drilling.

Strategic Vulnerability: Explain why a military conflict or blockade in the Strait of Hormuz immediately impacts consumers worldwide, even in countries far away from the Middle East.

It causes an immediate impact because about 20% of the world’s daily petroleum comes from the Strait of Hormuz. Although the US only uses 8% of its oil from the area the amount of oil that is produced in a given day sets the market prices. So if less oil is producing at the same demand the price goes up.

Global Security: Why have foreign superpowers historically maintained a military and naval presence in the Persian Gulf region?

Superpowers have historically maintained naval fleets in the region to guarantee the free movement of commerce and secure energy exports for world markets.

Jordan

Amman

Turkey

Ankara

Iraq

Baghdad

Lebanon

Beirut

Egypt

Cairo

Syria

Damascus

Qatar

Dohra

Israel

Jerusalem

Kuwait

Kuwait City

Bahrain

Manama

Oman

Muscat

Saudi Arabia

Riyadh

Yemen

Sanaa

Iran

Tehran