What to know about the Strait of Hormuz – the vital chokepoint in the Iran war

Following the US annihilation of mine-laying Iranian ships near the Strait of Hormuz, at least three cargo ships near the strategically important shipping lane have been struck, as the islamic republic vows to launch its “most intense” assault of the war so far.

But what exactly is the Strait of Hormuz – and what makes it such a strategically important route in the war with Iran? Here’s what to know.