Reactions and statements from the international community
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran have shown some progress but criticized Tehran for attempting to establish a toll system in the Strait of Hormuz, pressuring Oman to comply.
The European Council extended the EU’s restrictive measures today to target individuals and entities involved in Iran’s actions threatening freedom of navigation in the Middle East, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, beyond the existing sanctions on Tehran’s military support for Russia and Middle East armed groups. The new measures include travel bans and asset freezes.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced that Germany is preparing to join a UK-led mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz outside of NATO; discussions with the United States indicate Washington will coordinate security responsibilities in the region with its European allies.
US Senator Marco Rubio stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran is attempting to establish a toll collection system in the Strait of Hormuz, enlisting Oman's support to collect fees from ships passing through the strategic waterway. This statement comes amid escalating tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz and increasing international pressure against Tehran.
Reuters reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran is consolidating control over the Strait of Hormuz through the establishment of maritime checkpoints and the collection of passage fees, raising concerns about the security of global trade and freedom of navigation.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the deployment of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) in Khorramyanah/Farmandi Central, Iran, emphasizing their strategic mobility and precision capabilities. According to CENTCOM, Dr. Tangdaran Daryaei of the U.S. transferred the HIMARS to Istigahi Sukhtagiri in Khorramyanah.
U.S. Navy fighter jets launched from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in the Arabian Sea on March 15, 2026, as part of the carrier strike group's efforts to maintain readiness and enforce the U.S. blockade against Iranian ports.
Germany's Federal Prosecutor's Office has charged a Danish national and an Afghan national with collaborating with the IRGC's intelligence apparatus to plot assassinations and sabotage against Jewish and Israeli-German leaders in Berlin. The suspects, identified as "Ali S." and "Touab M.," were arrested in Denmark and Afghanistan in June and November 2025, respectively, and transferred to Germany.
The article, posted on Twitter by the user @Shin, comments on a translation error where the AI tool Grok incorrectly identifies Mojtaba Khamenei as Muqtada Al Sadr.
The Financial Times reported that the real consequences of the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz are likely just beginning, as ships that passed through before the closure have reached their destinations and stockpiles are depleting, potentially leading to tangible shortages and impacts on the global economy.
German prosecutors have accused Danish national Ali S. and Afghan national Tawab M. of spying for the IRGC and plotting to murder prominent Jewish leaders and attack Jewish sites in Germany. The accused are charged with gathering intelligence on targets and seeking accomplices in Berlin in 2025.
Reuters, citing two senior officials of the Islamic Republic regime, reports that Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered Iran's stockpile of over 400 kilograms of 60 percent enriched uranium to remain inside the country, complicating negotiations between Iran and the United States.
