Reactions and statements from the international community
Iranian President Pezeshkian stated that the ongoing naval blockade is a continuation of military operations against Iran, which the country views as punishment for its resistance and independence.
The UK Ministry of Defence released footage showing British soldiers taking cover during a ballistic missile strike in the Middle East, while RAF teams have been intercepting and shooting down drones "around the clock" in the region. London maintains that the UK is not involved in the conflict with Iran.
Masoud Pezeshkian, the president of Iran's government, and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of parliament, are calling for the dismissal of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi due to dissatisfaction with his handling of diplomatic negotiations, particularly regarding nuclear talks. According to sources, Araghchi has been acting in coordination with IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi without informing Pezeshkian, leading to intense dissatisfaction and potential dismissal.
Masoud Pezeshkian, the head of the Iranian government, posted on X that the ongoing naval blockade is part of continued military operations against Iran, which he described as a nation paying the price for its steadfastness and independence, calling the approach "unbearable."
The oil data analytics firm Vortexa announced on Thursday that only about 4 million barrels of Iranian crude oil exited the Sea of Oman between April 13 and 25, marking an 80% decrease from the same period in March when Iran exported 23.4 million barrels. U.S. Central Command reported that orders have been given to 44 commercial vessels to change course or return to port since the implementation of the U.S. maritime blockade of Iran.
Israeli airstrikes are currently underway in southern Lebanon, targeting the areas of Klaouieh, Arzoun, and Nabatieh al-Fawqa.
Israel intercepted all vessels in a Gaza-bound flotilla overnight, removing participants unharmed; they will be disembarked in Greece in the coming hours. Israel stated it will not permit any breach of the naval blockade.
The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 35 individuals and entities as part of the "Economic Fury" campaign, targeting the Islamic Republic's shadow banking networks that facilitated the transfer of billions of dollars to circumvent sanctions, sell oil illegally, and finance the IRGC and proxy forces.
U.S. Marines aboard the USS New Orleans (LPD 18) are conducting naval blockade operations in the Arabian Sea, where 44 commercial vessels have been ordered to turn around or return to port.
President Trump criticized the German Chancellor for ineffective handling of the Russia/Ukraine war and domestic issues like immigration and energy, urging him to focus less on interfering with actions against Iran's nuclear program. Earlier, Trump mentioned the U.S. is studying a potential reduction in American troops stationed in Germany.
Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressed deep distrust towards the United States and Israel during a telephone conversation with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, citing previous nuclear negotiations and attacks by those countries. Pezeshkian also emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf commemorated Persian Gulf Day by stating that Iran will manage the Strait of Hormuz to ensure a future free from American presence and interference, drawing a historical parallel to the expulsion of European colonizers in 1622.
