US executes major Hormuz oil operation as Iran maintains blockade stance
The US executed a major oil transport operation through the Strait of Hormuz as Iran reiterated conditions for reopening the strategic passage.
The United States completed its largest crude oil transport operation through the Strait of Hormuz since hostilities began six months ago, using naval, aerial, and space assets. The movement coincided with an American strike on Iran's Larak Island. In response, Iranian forces deployed rocket-launched sea mines across the strategic passage.
Tehran reiterated that the waterway "will not be opened" until Washington complies with a memorandum demanding an end to port blockades, the removal of oil sanctions, unfreezing of assets, and termination of military actions. Prior to the conflict, approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil passed through the strait daily.
Sources: Expresso, Expresso das Ilhas, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)
How outlets assessed this
- Sep 18, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC
- Expresso Alarmed Emphasized dangerous escalation risks, framing the conflict as an intensifying battle where time to inflict pain is narrowing.
Sources
- RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal) — Estreito de Ormuz "não será aberto" até que Washington cumpra exigências do Irão
- Expresso — EUA fazem passar petróleo por Ormuz à noite, Irão responde com minas lançadas por ‘rockets’ e a guerra volta: “Este é um momento perigoso”
- Expresso das Ilhas — EUA retiram milhões de barris de petróleo de estreito de Ormuz em ataque
Earlier coverage
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