U.S. and Iran escalate confrontation over Strait of Hormuz

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated after the United States conducted a major operation to escort millions of barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz. The nighttime transport represented the largest oil transit through the strategic waterway since hostilities began six months ago, using U.S. air, naval, and space assets.

In response, Iranian forces deployed rocket-launched sea mines, prompting retaliatory U.S. strikes against military installations on Larak Island. Tehran subsequently announced that the strategic passage "will not be opened" until Washington lifts port blockades, removes petroleum sanctions, unfreezes Iranian assets, and ceases regional military operations. Prior to the conflict, approximately 20 million barrels of crude transited the strait daily.

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