US forces escort oil through Strait of Hormuz amid escalating Iranian standoff

Military tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated following a large-scale US operation to escort crude oil shipments through the strategic passage. Utilizing air, naval, and space assets, US forces conducted transits and targeted Iranian positions on Larak Island.

In response, Iranian forces deployed naval mines via rockets to disrupt maritime traffic. Tehran announced the waterway will not reopen until Washington fulfills conditions set in a memorandum, which include ending military operations, lifting petroleum sanctions, unfreezing assets, and ending port blockades. Daily traffic remains far below the pre-war volume of 20 million barrels.

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