US military escorts oil through Strait of Hormuz as Iranian blockade persists

Military confrontations around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified following a large-scale US operation that escorted millions of barrels of crude oil through the waterway while striking Iranian targets on Larak Island. Using air, naval, and space assets, Washington executed the largest oil transit since the conflict began. Tehran retaliated by deploying rocket-launched naval mines to reinforce its maritime blockade. Iranian officials maintained that the strategic waterway will remain closed until the US meets several conditions, including lifting oil sanctions, ending port blockades, unfreezing foreign assets, and halting military operations on all fronts. Analysts warn of a dangerous escalation cycle as both nations seek to exert pressure over the strategic choke point, which previously handled 20 million barrels of crude daily.

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