Strait of Hormuz to stay closed until US meets Iranian demands

The Strait of Hormuz remains closed as military tensions between the United States and Iran escalate. Following a large-scale American operation using air, sea, and space assets to transport millions of barrels of crude oil through the waterway, Iranian forces deployed rocket-launched sea mines in response. American forces subsequently launched retaliatory strikes against Iran's Larak Island.

In response to the hostilities, Tehran announced that the strategic maritime passage will not reopen until Washington satisfies conditions laid out in a memorandum of understanding. The Iranian demands require the United States to end military operations, lift port blockades, suspend energy sanctions, and unfreeze Iranian national assets. Prior to the conflict, approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil traversed the strait daily. Observers warn of heightened risks of further military escalation.

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