Strait of Hormuz standoff continues despite technical progress on navigation route

The standoff in the Strait of Hormuz continues into its sixth month, marked by sharply conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran. United States President Donald Trump expressed optimism that an agreement mediated by Oman could reopen the strategic waterway "very soon," while warning that Iran would be hit "very strongly" if maritime traffic does not resume.

However, Iranian foreign ministry officials insist the corridor will remain closed until Washington lifts oil sanctions, unfreezes assets, and halts military operations. Although Tehran confirmed technical progress with Oman on mapping a safe navigation route, senior leaders from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of "strategic surprises" and pledged not to yield to American pressure.

Commercial traffic through the key energy passage has fallen from 95 to roughly 15 daily crossings since the closure began six months ago.

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