Strait of Hormuz remains closed as US oil escorts trigger Iranian retaliation

Military operations around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified following a major U.S. operation to escort millions of barrels of crude oil through the strategic waterway. Supported by air, naval, and space assets, American forces conducted their largest escort mission since the conflict began six months ago while targeting Iranian military assets on Larak Island.

Iran responded by deploying rocket-launched naval mines into the passage. Tehran declared that the strait will remain closed until Washington meets its demands, which include lifting energy sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets, removing port blockades, and ending military operations. With daily oil transit sharply reduced from pre-conflict levels of 20 million barrels, military analysts caution that both sides face closing operational windows, elevating risks of wider escalation.

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