Strait of Hormuz blockade persists as military tensions rise and Oman talks advance

Six months after Iran restricted transit through the Strait of Hormuz following U.S. and Israeli strikes, daily vessel crossings have dropped from 95 to approximately 15. Tehran maintains that the waterway will remain closed until Washington lifts petroleum sanctions, unfreezes Iranian assets, ends port blockades, and halts military actions.

Military confrontations have heightened alongside diplomatic dialogue. After U.S. forces initiated night-time tanker escorts, Iranian troops deployed rocket-launched sea mines, triggering a U.S. strike against targets on Larak Island. Despite the growing military standoff, Iranian officials confirmed reaching a new maritime navigation agreement with Oman following three weeks of bilateral negotiations.

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