US and Iran trade strikes in Strait of Hormuz as oil shipping escalates

The United States and Iran have further escalated military operations in the Strait of Hormuz following a major American overnight mission. Utilizing air, naval, and space assets, US forces struck Iranian positions on Larak Island to escort millions of barrels of crude oil through the strategic waterway, marking the largest such transit since the conflict began six months ago.

In response, Iran deployed rocket-launched naval mines and declared that the passage "will not be opened" until Washington meets its demands. Tehran’s conditions, outlined in a recent memorandum, require the United States to lift oil sanctions, unfreeze Iranian assets, end port blockades, and cease all military threats. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil passed through the strait daily.

Sources: Expresso, Expresso das Ilhas, RTP