US escorts oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz amid Iranian blockade demands

The United States has executed its largest crude oil transit operation through the Strait of Hormuz since the current conflict began, employing naval, aerial, and space assets to escort tankers through the corridor. Simultaneously, American forces conducted strikes against Iranian military installations on Larak Island to counter threats to commercial shipping.

In response, Iranian forces deployed rocket-launched sea mines along key maritime channels. Teheran reiterated that the strategic waterway "will not be opened" unless the United States lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports, cancels oil sanctions, unfreezes seized national assets, and ceases military operations across all fronts. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil passed through the choke point daily, highlighting ongoing risks to global energy supplies.

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