US forces escort oil through Strait of Hormuz as Iran retaliates with rocket-launched mines

The military confrontation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has intensified following a major US operation to escort millions of barrels of crude oil through the strategic corridor. Utilizing air, naval, and space assets, American forces targeted Iran's Larak Island while executing the largest crude transport operation since hostilities began six months ago.

In response, Iranian forces deployed naval mines via rockets to disrupt maritime traffic. Tehran declared that the waterway will remain closed until Washington fulfills specific conditions outlined in a memorandum, including ending military operations, lifting petroleum sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets, and terminating port blockades. Commercial shipping through the passage remains drastically below pre-war levels of 20 million barrels per day.

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