Iran demands end to U.S. sanctions before reopening Strait of Hormuz

Tehran has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States satisfies a series of conditions outlined in a memorandum of understanding. Iranian demands include lifting U.S. port blockades, ending petroleum sanctions, unfreezing national assets, and ceasing military operations across all regional fronts.

The stance follows an overnight operation in which Washington escorted millions of barrels of crude oil through the corridor using air, naval, and space assets. The convoy represented the largest crude transport through the passage since hostilities began six months ago. In response, Iranian forces deployed rocket-launched sea mines, triggering retaliatory U.S. airstrikes on Larak Island as risks of escalation intensify.

Sources: Expresso, Expresso das Ilhas, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)