Reactions and statements from the international community
Former US President Barack Obama discusses the Iran deal, stating that it successfully removed 97% of Iran's enriched uranium without military conflict, avoiding the need for missile strikes or casualties.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Donald Trump discussed Iran with Chinese officials, emphasizing the issue's importance. Rubio also noted that China opposes the militarization of the Strait of Hormuz and the establishment of a toll collection system for ships there, positions that align with U.S. views.
During Donald Trump's trip to Beijing, the presidents of the United States and China emphasized the need for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open as an international waterway and stressed the importance of maintaining energy transportation through this route.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in Beijing that both Washington and Beijing agree on the "demilitarization" of the Strait of Hormuz and oppose Iran's toll collection and mining of international waters. Rubio emphasized that while China supports preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, the U.S. takes practical actions to achieve these goals.
Axios reported that President Trump, following his trip to China, is considering resuming the "Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz" project to counter maritime extortion by the Iranian regime or striking infrastructure inside Iran to address ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and diplomatic deadlock.
Reports indicate that China is seeking to increase oil imports from Alaska to reduce its dependence on oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz and from Iran, amid intensifying pressures from the United States and President Trump's ongoing negotiations.
The U.S. military continues its maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran's state television, citing the IRGC Navy, reports that 30 vessels have been allowed to pass through the strait in the last 24 hours.
Ghasem Ravnobakhsh, a member of the Internal Affairs and Councils Commission in the Iranian parliament, stated that the Islamic Republic will adhere strictly to the 10 conditions set by the Supreme National Security Council, warning that any retreat from these conditions will embolden the enemy. He also asserted that U.S. President Trump only understands the language of military power, referencing the diminished prestige of American naval forces due to Iranian missile capabilities.
A Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50 landed on the USS Truxtun (DDG 103) as the ship transited the Arabian Sea, supporting the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of today, CENTCOM forces have redirected 70 commercial vessels and disabled 4 to ensure compliance with the blockade.
Mohammad Reza Aref, first deputy of Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirmed Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, stating it is Iranian property and emphasizing that Tehran will not relinquish control despite recent controversies and agreements with America.
CENTCOM announced that U.S. forces have forced 70 commercial ships to alter course and disabled 4 ships as part of an operation to blockade Iranian ports. Earlier, CENTCOM released an image of a U.S. Air Force F-35 stealth fighter on patrol over waters near the Strait of Hormuz.
On Wednesday, Iranian state media reported that Islamic Republic military forces allowed a group of Chinese ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since Tuesday evening, with Fars and Tasnim news agencies citing informed sources that "more than 30 ships" were granted passage under the Iranian Strait Management Protocol. This development occurred during U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China, where both countries agreed to maintain the free flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz.
