Iran maintains Strait of Hormuz closure while awaiting formal US response

Tehran has reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington meets its demands, which include lifting petroleum sanctions, unfreezing assets, and ending military operations. Despite US President Donald Trump rejecting an Iranian proposal to reopen the waterway within seven days in exchange for reduced military pressure and negotiations, Iranian officials stated they are still awaiting a "definitive position" from the US government.

Meanwhile, military clashes around the vital transit corridor have escalated. Following a US strike on Iran's Larak Island and nighttime naval escorts for commercial oil tankers, Iranian forces responded by deploying rocket-launched naval mines into the strategic passage, raising fears of further regional destabilization.

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