Expert analyses and reviews
On May 9, a satellite image of the Strait of Hormuz showed approximately 50-60 IRGC Navy fast boats, suggesting they may be targeted in upcoming operations, according to open-source intelligence.
Mohsen Mohammadi Eghtaei, a member of the Assembly of Experts in Iran, described the election of Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei as the third leader of the Islamic Republic as a "divine act" and noted the influence of what he perceived as the guiding hand of Imam Zaman during the selection process, which occurred amid war, threats, and external pressures.
The satellite imagery analysis center "Sur Atlas" announced that satellite images show a large tanker, identified as the supertanker "Baraka" belonging to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, in the Strait of Hormuz with a trail of oil in the water following an attack by drones of the Islamic Republic on May 4. The images also reveal extensive movement of small fast boats near the tanker.
In an episode of "Perspective" on Iran International's YouTube channel, Mehdi Mahdavi-Azadi discusses the escalating military activities of the IRGC and Mojtaba in the Persian Gulf. The full episode can be viewed at https://youtu.be/kYSw-f3E0vk.
The insurance rates for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz have surged from about 1 percent to 10 percent of the cargo's value, according to shipping experts, due to the crisis and regional tensions in the area.
The cost of insuring ships in the Strait of Hormuz has surged to 10 percent of each ship's cargo value, up from about one percent, due to heightened risks of attack, according to shipping experts and an Associated Press report. Ship traffic in the strait has also been severely disrupted, increasing security risks and costs for shipping companies.
The New York Times reported that Russia is sending military goods, including drone components, and commercial goods to Iran via the Caspian Sea to bolster Iran's capacity to withstand U.S. attacks, according to U.S. officials. Russian trade statistics show an increase in cargo transport via the Caspian Sea, with estimates suggesting the volume could double in the coming year.
The Wall Street Journal reported that former President Donald Trump is considering the resumption of the "Freedom Project" to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, with potential action beginning as early as this week.
Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that during clashes in Bandar Abbas, commercial sections of Bahman Pier were targeted by gunfire. Reports from Iran International indicate explosions and active air defenses in Qeshm and Bandar Abbas at 10:15 p.m., with a missile launch reported in Sirik County at 10:27 p.m.
The article "Trump's Sudden Direction Change in the Strait of Hormuz" by Mehdi Mahdavi-Azadi, available in full on YouTube at https://youtu.be/bVxYNju0738, discusses changes in U.S. policy under President Trump regarding naval operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
On May 6, 2026, Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, announced that the U.S. proposal is under review, and Iran will present its response to Pakistan after finalizing its assessment. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has threatened to resume bombings with "much greater intensity and scale" if no agreement is reached.
Mehdi Taj, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Football Federation, stated that FIFA must ensure officials and the IRGC are not insulted during the World Cup.
