Iran maintains Strait of Hormuz blockade as military tensions escalate

Six months after Iranian restrictions disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, daily maritime transits remain depressed at around 15, down from 95 prior to the conflict. Tehran reiterated that the strategic waterway will stay closed until Washington meets its demands, including lifting port blockades, suspending oil sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets, and ending military operations.

Military friction in the region has escalated as US forces conducted night-time oil escorts, leading Iranian forces to deploy rocket-launched sea mines. US forces subsequently struck Iranian installations on Larak Island. Despite the military clashes, Iranian officials announced an agreement with Oman to establish a safe navigation route through the strait following weeks of negotiations.

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