Iran maintains Strait of Hormuz blockade as talks show mixed progress

Six months after maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz collapsed from 95 to roughly 15 daily transits, diplomatic negotiations and military rhetoric remain sharply divided. United States President Donald Trump expressed optimism about a potential agreement while warning Tehran that it would be hit "very strongly" if the critical waterway does not reopen soon.

Concurrently, Iranian diplomatic representatives stated that the strait will remain closed until Washington meets key demands, including lifting energy sanctions, releasing frozen assets, and ending military operations. Despite confirming a technical agreement with Oman regarding a secure transit route, high-ranking Revolutionary Guard commanders rejected American pressure, threatening "strategic surprises" and vowing not to concede before achieving a military defeat of US forces.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Expresso das Ilhas, Jornal Económico, RTP.