US rejects Iranian proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz as military clashes escalate

United States President Donald Trump has rejected a seven-day proposal from Tehran aimed at temporarily reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the US naval blockade, ending sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets, and halting military operations. Iranian officials subsequently affirmed that the strategic shipping lane will remain closed until Washington fulfills these conditions.

Concurrently, military friction in the region continues to intensify. Following an American strike on Iran's Larak Island, US forces have begun escorting commercial oil tankers through the waterway during night hours. In response, Iranian forces deployed rocket-launched sea mines into the transit corridor, raising concerns over a potential cycle of regional escalation.

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