US executes major Hormuz oil operation as Iran maintains blockade stance

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Sep 18, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-09-18-1200
US executes major Hormuz oil operation as Iran maintains blockade stance
Photo: RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)

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.

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Earlier coverage

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