US conducts major oil transport through Strait of Hormuz amid Iranian countermoves

The United States has executed its largest crude oil transport operation through the Strait of Hormuz since the onset of the conflict, deploying air, sea, and space assets. The nighttime mission involved moving millions of barrels of oil and targeted Iranian positions on Larak Island. In response, Iranian forces launched naval mines via rockets into the strategic maritime corridor. Iranian authorities reiterated that the strait will remain closed to standard commercial traffic until Washington meets terms detailed in a memorandum, including lifting oil sanctions, ending port blockades, releasing frozen assets, and stopping military actions. Daily maritime volume through the waterway remains drastically reduced from pre-conflict levels of 20 million barrels.

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