US oil escort through Strait of Hormuz triggers Iranian retaliation

Tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have escalated following a major US military operation to escort millions of barrels of crude oil through the strategic waterway. The mission, marked as the largest transport effort since hostilities began six months ago, employed air, naval, and space assets while targeting Iranian positions on Larak Island.

In response, Iranian forces deployed naval mines using rockets to disrupt maritime traffic. Tehran reiterated that the waterway will remain closed until Washington fulfills specific conditions outlined in a memorandum. Iranian demands include an immediate end to military operations, the lifting of petroleum sanctions, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, and the termination of port blockades. Commercial traffic 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)