Iran demands US concessions as Strait of Hormuz confrontation escalates

Tehran maintains that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington fulfils a series of Iranian demands, including lifting oil sanctions, unfreezing assets, and halting military operations. Despite US President Donald Trump signalling rejection of an Iranian diplomatic proposal to reopen the strategic passage within seven days in exchange for reduced military pressure, Iranian officials state they are still awaiting a "definitive position" from Washington.

Simultaneously, military actions in the waterway are escalating. Following a US strike on Iran's Larak Island and American night-time escorts for commercial tankers, Iranian forces responded by deploying rocket-launched naval mines into the channel, further heightening risks for international maritime transit.

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