US escorts oil through Strait of Hormuz as Iran maintains blockage demands

Tensions in the Middle East have heightened after a large-scale U.S. operation escorted millions of barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz using naval, air, and space assets. The transit marks the largest movement of crude oil through the waterway since conflict erupted six months ago.

In response, Iran deployed rocket-launched sea mines into the passage, leading to retaliatory U.S. strikes against Larak Island. Tehran subsequently stated the waterway "will not be opened" unless Washington satisfies terms set out in a memorandum. Iranian demands include lifting petroleum sanctions, unfreezing financial assets, ending port blockades, and ceasing military actions across all fronts. Analysts caution that both sides are intensifying efforts to apply pressure, raising the risk of further regional escalation.

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