Reactions and statements from the international community
Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the UAE president, described Iran's actions as "ongoing aggression" and "acts of piracy" on X, following Abu Dhabi's accusation that Iran targeted an Emirati tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bennett told Fox News that the United States has full control of the Strait of Hormuz and will only respond with force if attacked first, emphasizing that it is an opportune time for international partners to increase pressure on the Islamic Republic.
On Monday, May 4, 2025, the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers, after transiting the Strait of Hormuz, began operating in the Persian Gulf as part of "Operation Liberty," aimed at ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels. CENTCOM reported that two U.S.-flagged commercial vessels had successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran's IRGC Navy earlier threatened to prohibit such passages without permission.
In an interview with Fox News, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the United States will take full control of the Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe passage for ships, amid escalating U.S. actions against threats from the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Reports indicate that the Islamic Republic regime has expanded its maritime blockade to include the ports of Khor Fakkan and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, threatening ships departing from these ports toward the Gulf of Oman. This development comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and the Islamic Republic.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement warning U.S. destroyers in the Sea of Oman, alleging that necessary warnings were given to American ships that turned off their radars while approaching the Strait of Hormuz, amid rising maritime tensions in the region.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced support for President Trump's plan to ensure the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. He also emphasized Germany's commitment to protecting the Jewish community, stating that "Jewish life is part of Germany, and any attack on it is an attack on our society and democracy."
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that U.S. Navy guided-missile warships, after transiting the Strait of Hormuz, have been deployed to the Persian Gulf for "Operation Liberty" to support commercial shipping. Two U.S.-flagged vessels have already transited the Strait safely.
The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned an Iranian drone attack on an ADNOC-linked tanker, MV Barakah (IMO: 9902615), a VLCC, in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, which was empty at the time, was targeted by two drones.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has warned commercial ships against cooperating with the US Navy's enhanced security protocol in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring explicit permission and payment of a fee for passage. Meanwhile, the United States is implementing Operation Liberty to ensure the safety of shipping lanes and prevent coercion in the strategic strait.
Adm. Brad Cooper, the CENTCOM commander, conducted a tour of two Navy ships in the Arabian Sea and flew over the Strait of Hormuz in an Apache helicopter ahead of the U.S. military's Project Freedom launch.
CENTCOM announced that two U.S.-flagged commercial vessels successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers providing escort and operating in the Arabian Gulf as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian to restore freedom of navigation.
