Iran keeps Strait of Hormuz closed while awaiting definitive US response

Iran has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington complies with its demands, which include lifting sanctions on Iranian oil, unfreezing national assets, and halting military operations. Although U.S. President Donald Trump publicly rejected Tehran’s proposal to reopen the strategic shipping lane within seven days in exchange for reduced military pressure, Iranian officials stated they are still awaiting a definitive position from the United States.

Simultaneously, military confrontations in the waterway have escalated. Following a U.S. airstrike on Iran's Larak Island and nighttime American naval escorts for commercial tankers, Iranian forces responded by deploying rocket-launched naval mines. The combined diplomatic deadlock and expanding naval maneuvers have significantly elevated security risks along the vital maritime corridor.

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