U.S. strikes Iranian targets after mine deployment in Strait of Hormuz

Military tension in the Middle East has escalated as Washington and Tehran trade actions over the Strait of Hormuz. Following the largest U.S. military-escorted oil transit through the waterway since the conflict began, Iranian forces deployed rocket-launched sea mines into major shipping channels. In response, American forces conducted strikes against military installations on Iran's Larak Island.

Tehran maintained that the strategic maritime passage will not reopen until the United States meets conditions outlined in an Iranian memorandum. These demands include removing the naval blockade on Iranian ports, lifting petroleum sanctions, unfreezing Iranian financial assets, and terminating all regional military operations and threats. The corridor previously handled around 20 million barrels of crude oil daily before hostilities began.

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