US rejects Iranian proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz amid military escalation

US President Donald Trump has rejected a seven-day ceasefire proposal from Tehran aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran had offered to reopen the strategic shipping route if Washington agreed to lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports, suspend petroleum sanctions, unfreeze Iranian assets, and cease all military operations. Iranian officials maintained that the waterway will remain closed until those conditions are fulfilled.

The diplomatic deadlock coincides with escalating military confrontations in the passage. Following a US military strike on Iran's Larak Island, American forces began escorting commercial oil tankers through the strait at night. In response, Iranian forces deployed rocket-launched naval mines into the maritime corridor, raising concerns over a potential new cycle of conflict.

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