a map of the middle east with a red line

A strait is a narrow body of water that connects two larger bodies of water, often separating two landmasses. It is typically formed through geological processes such as tectonic shifts or erosion. Straits are crucial for international shipping routes, serving as natural passages for vessels traveling between seas or oceans. These waterways often have strategic and economic importance due to their proximity to key regions.One well-known example is the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, separating Europe and Africa. Another prominent example is the Bering Strait, which lies between Alaska and Russia, linking the Arctic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.Straits can vary significantly in size and depth, and many are affected by tidal patterns and currents, making navigation sometimes challenging. Some straits, like the Bosporus in Turkey, are narrow and deep, playing an essential role in both regional and global trade. In some cases, a strait can also be a politically signi