US oil escort operation in Strait of Hormuz prompts Iranian mine deployment

Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have heightened following a major night-time US operation to escort millions of barrels of crude oil through the passage while targeting assets on Iran's Larak Island. American forces utilized coordinated air, maritime, and space capabilities aimed at reducing Tehran's ability to threaten merchant shipping in the strategic corridor.

Iran responded by deploying rocket-launched naval mines into the waterway. Authorities in Tehran reaffirmed that the strait will remain closed until Washington lifts oil sanctions, ends its port blockade, unfreezes Iranian assets, and halts all military operations. Commercial traffic through the passage continues to operate well below pre-war levels of 20 million barrels per day, raising concerns of further regional escalation.

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