Reactions and statements from the international community
Iran has redeployed and hidden its drone and missile capabilities across the country during the ceasefire, preparing for potential future mass strikes, according to intelligence reports.
President of the United States Donald Trump criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Truth Social, stating that Merz's stance on Iran's nuclear program is unacceptable and warning that a nuclear-armed Iran would threaten global security. Trump also commented negatively on Germany's economic and political situation.
The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control announced that companies paying "tolls" to the Islamic Republic for passage through the Strait of Hormuz will face "significant sanctions." U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that institutions facilitating or cooperating with Iran's "shadow banking" network will also face severe consequences.
Miadh Maleki, former head of the sanctions targeting office at the U.S. Treasury Department, stated at an Iran International public session that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have increased global economic concerns, particularly impacting Asian countries reliant on oil and gas transit through this strategic waterway.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is experiencing a severe revenue decline due to economic blockades, threatening the stability of the Iranian regime, while US officials make light-hearted comments about personal matters unrelated to the crisis.
The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated 35 individuals and entities as part of the "Economic Fury" campaign, targeting key figures and shell companies involved in Iran's shadow banking system that facilitates illicit oil sales and weapons procurement for the IRGC and the Iranian regime. Among those sanctioned are several "rahbar" companies associated with major Iranian banks and individual shadow banking officials who have processed billions of dollars for Iran's financial institutions.
The Financial Times has published a report addressing the growing rifts within the Iranian regime over negotiations with the United States and the increasing divisions following a ceasefire, focusing on attacks on the negotiating team, particularly former Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
President Donald Trump stated that Tehran has informed Washington of its state of collapse and leadership crisis, and has requested the United States to open the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the M/V Blue Star III in the Arabian Sea today, suspecting it of violating the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports; the vessel was released after a search confirmed it would not call at an Iranian port. To date, 39 vessels have been redirected by U.S. forces to ensure compliance with the blockade.
On April 28, 2026, Fatemeh Mohajerani, spokesperson for the Pezeshkian government, justified the approval of tiered internet and the sale of Pro Internet, stating it was necessary to prevent disruptions in economic activities and ensure business continuity during crises. This comes as the Islamic Republic government has restricted internet access for tens of millions of Iranians since the start of the war on March 29, 2025.
TankerTrackers reports that Iran has up to 20 VLCCs available to store excess crude oil, potentially buying time for Iranian oil fields before forced shutdowns; however, an unknown covert operation targeting subsea manifolds on Kharg Island could halt oil flow, rendering the VLCCs idle and causing rapid well shutdowns.
The U.S. Energy Secretary stated that ships can resume passage through the Strait of Hormuz without the need for complete mine clearance, asserting that establishing a safe corridor is sufficient.
