US and Iran escalate conflict in Strait of Hormuz over oil transit

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified after the U.S. conducted its largest crude oil transport operation through the strategic waterway since hostilities began six months ago. Supported by naval, air, and space assets, U.S. forces escorted millions of barrels of oil overnight. In response, Iranian forces deployed rocket-launched sea mines, triggering retaliatory U.S. military strikes against Larak Island.

Iranian officials warned that the passage "will not be opened" until Washington fulfills key demands, including lifting port blockades, removing oil sanctions, unfreezing assets, and halting military operations across all fronts. Prior to the conflict, around 20 million barrels of crude oil navigated the strait each day, but commercial traffic remains severely disrupted amid rising hostilities.

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