US conducts major crude escort in Strait of Hormuz as Iran sets terms

The United States has conducted a major military operation in the Strait of Hormuz to facilitate the movement of millions of barrels of crude oil, marking the largest transport volume since the conflict began six months ago. Utilizing naval, air, and space assets, US forces targeted Iranian positions on Larak Island to disrupt attacks on commercial vessels.

In response, Iranian forces deployed naval mines using rockets to counter maritime transit. Tehran declared that the strategic waterway "will not be opened" until Washington fulfills conditions set in a memorandum, including ending military operations, lifting petroleum sanctions, unfreezing assets, and terminating port blockades. Prior to the war, approximately 20 million barrels of oil passed through the strait daily.

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