Strait of Hormuz standoff deepens as Iran demands sanction relief and US threatens force

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Posted Aug 31, 2026, 12:30 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-08-31-0030
Strait of Hormuz standoff deepens as Iran demands sanction relief and US threatens force
Photo: RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)

Diplomatic talks and military warnings stall progress on reopening the Strait of Hormuz six months after traffic dropped dramatically.

Six months after maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz plummeted from 95 to approximately 15 daily transits, diplomatic negotiations and military rhetoric remain sharply divided. US President Donald Trump stated that an agreement could emerge soon, warning that Iran will be hit "very strongly" if the strategic waterway does not reopen.

However, Iranian officials insisted the strait will remain closed until Washington meets key conditions, including lifting energy sanctions, releasing frozen assets, and ending military operations. While Tehran confirmed a technical agreement with Oman on a safe navigation route, senior Revolutionary Guard commanders rejected US pressure, promising "strategic surprises" and asserting they will not yield before defeating American forces.

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

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