US escorts major crude shipment through Strait of Hormuz as Iran maintains blockade

The United States has completed a major military operation to escort millions of barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz, utilizing naval, aerial, and space assets. The movement marked the largest crude transit through the strategic choke point since hostilities escalated six months ago. The operation coincided with American strikes targeting Iranian military positions on Larak Island.

In response, Iranian forces deployed rocket-launched naval mines to reinforce their blockade of the waterway. Tehran affirmed that the strait "will not be opened" until Washington lifts port blockades and crude sanctions, unfreezes financial assets, and ceases military operations across all fronts. Prior to the conflict, roughly 20 million barrels of crude oil passed through the route daily.

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