US conducts major Hormuz oil transport as Iran demands end to sanctions

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated further following a major U.S. military operation to escort millions of barrels of crude oil through the strategic waterway. Supported by air, sea, and space assets, the overnight deployment represented the largest U.S. crude transport since hostilities began six months ago. Iranian forces responded by deploying rocket-launched sea mines, triggering retaliatory U.S. strikes against targets on Larak Island.

Tehran announced that the vital shipping lane "will not be opened" until Washington satisfies its core demands. These requirements include lifting U.S. blockades on Iranian ports, removing oil sanctions, unfreezing Tehran's assets, and ending military operations across all fronts. Before the conflict, roughly 20 million barrels of crude navigated the strait daily, but commercial passage remains severely constrained.

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