Reactions and statements from the international community
On Monday, May 11, 2025, oil prices in Asian markets rose following the U.S. rejection of Iran's proposals to end the war, with Brent crude increasing by 4.5 percent to $106 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate crude reaching $105 per barrel.
On Tuesday, May 12, 2025, London and Paris will host a joint meeting of defense ministers from more than 40 countries to coordinate a multinational mission led by France and Britain to escort ships and ensure the security of commercial routes in the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting, chaired by British Defense Minister John Healey and French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin, aims to protect shipping and restore trade flows in the strategic waterway.
The UK and France will host a meeting on Monday with over 40 countries to discuss participation in the European Maritime Coalition for the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at protecting commercial ships through mine clearance, maritime escort, and air patrol operations. UK Defense Secretary John Healey stated that London and Paris are transforming diplomatic agreements into an operational military plan to restore shipping confidence in the security of the Strait of Hormuz, amid threats linked to the Islamic Republic regime.
In an interview with 60 Minutes, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran understood the risks of closing the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S. imposed a naval blockade, which he described as a "brilliant move" by former President Trump.
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter transmitted emergency code 7700 while flying over the United Arab Emirates after departing from the Gulf of Oman region near the Strait of Hormuz. No further details about the cause or outcome of the emergency have been provided.
Britain has dispatched an advanced Type 45 Dragon-class destroyer, equipped with NSM anti-ship missiles and Aster air defense systems, toward the Strait of Hormuz to counter threats from the Islamic Republic of Iran. The vessel is also fitted with a 114mm Mark 8 gun and Phalanx close-in defense systems, along with a Wildcat helicopter armed with Martlet missiles.
Senator Lindsey Graham warned that any agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran without the complete dismantling of its enrichment program would be akin to the JCPOA, stating that leaving Tehran's enrichment infrastructure intact is "meaningless" and destined for rejection.
More than 40 countries are set to discuss their participation in a European-led maritime mission to protect commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, according to a Bloomberg report. The initiative, led by Britain and France, aims to clear sea mines, provide military escorts for commercial vessels, and conduct air policing operations to secure shipping routes in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Supreme Leader Khamenei is likely hiding and attempting to maintain control, but his condition is unclear. Netanyahu also noted that his son Mojtaba lacks his father's influence, which is causing internal strife within the Islamic Republic regime.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that a ceasefire with the Islamic Republic of Iran does not imply ending the conflict with Hezbollah, emphasizing that Iran aims to secure Hezbollah's presence in Lebanon, which Israel rejects. Netanyahu asserted that the primary objective is to eliminate the missile threat against Israeli cities and communities, noting that President Trump understands this necessity.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has presented a list of extensive demands including an immediate end to sanctions and the lifting of the oil export embargo in negotiations with the United States, which has elicited a sharp response from President Donald Trump. The two sides are currently examining a temporary 30-day ceasefire extension and halting the Hormuz blockade to continue negotiations, with the main dispute centered on Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles.
The British government, alongside France, announced it will host a multinational meeting on Tuesday to discuss military plans for restoring trade flows in the Strait of Hormuz, with attendance from defense ministers of over 40 countries. This follows a warning from the Islamic Republic against deploying warships to the region.
