Question

which of the following statements is helpful in explaining why iran and the united arab emirates (uae) are able to assert some control over the export of oil from the persian gulf oil - production region?
a both iran and the uae have coastlines along the arabian sea and thus have the easiest access to global markets.
b their location along the choke point of the strait of hormuz allows them to influence ship movement into and out of the persian gulf.
c both iran and the uae border the persian gulf, a location of large oil deposits, and thus have the greatest offshore oil claims.
d their close proximity to the large asian markets of japan and china give them an economic advantage over other opec countries.
e as the founding members of opec, they hold the largest influence over opec policies and decisions.

Explanation:

The Strait of Hormuz is the narrow, critical shipping lane through which nearly all oil exports from the Persian Gulf must pass. Iran and the UAE flank this strait, so their geographic position lets them monitor and influence vessel traffic in and out of the Gulf, directly impacting oil export control. Other options are incorrect: A is irrelevant to export control; C refers to oil deposits, not export control; D focuses on market proximity, not export control; E is false as they are not both founding OPEC members, and OPEC influence does not come from that for this specific control.

Answer:

B. Their location along the choke point of the Strait of Hormuz allows them to influence ship movement into and out of the Persian Gulf.