The Gulf of Oman is a geographical feature, specifically the northwest arm of the Arabian Sea and an inlet of the Indian Ocean. It is bordered by Iran and Pakistan to the north, and Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the south and west. Historically, the Gulf has served as a maritime trade corridor for thousands of years, connecting the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. Until the 18th century, it was commonly known as the Makran Sea.
The Gulf's primary function is as the sole maritime gateway from the Arabian Sea into the Persian Gulf. This is achieved through its connection to the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint. This mechanism makes the Gulf of Oman central to global energy security, as approximately 20% of global oil consumption and a significant share of the world's liquefied natural gas transit this route. The security of this route is a joint interest for major oil exporters and importers.
Related concepts include the Strait of Hormuz and the presence of international naval forces, such as the U.S. Navy and French Navy, which patrol the area. Recent developments include the completion of the Habshan-Fujairah oil pipeline in 2012, which allows the UAE to export oil directly to the Gulf of Oman, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, in 2018, scientists confirmed the Gulf contains one of the world's largest marine dead zones, covering 165,000 square kilometers. The region remains a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions, with incidents like Iran seizing oil tankers and joint naval drills by China, Iran, and Russia.