Reactions and statements from the international community
High-ranking political and military officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran have recently issued unified messages on social media in response to Donald Trump's comments about divisions within the regime, stating their allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, stated that the absence of nuclear experts in negotiations with the Islamic Republic could result in a weaker agreement than the JCPOA. Previously, Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, emphasized the need for IAEA verification at the negotiating table to ensure a real agreement rather than an illusion.
On Tuesday, April 22, 2026, Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, rejected the joint statement issued by Arab foreign ministers following an extraordinary virtual meeting in Bahrain, where the ministers held Iran responsible for damages from the recent crisis over the threat to close the Strait of Hormuz.
Ali Nikzad, Deputy Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, addressed the Persian Gulf countries, accusing them of allowing the U.S. to use their territory against Iran and emphasizing Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz and its nuclear rights.
Former US President Trump participated in peace talks with Lebanon tonight and announced the extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon by three weeks, calling for the repeal of laws that prohibit talks with Israelis.
CNN, citing American sources, reported that the United States is considering options to target Ahmad Vahidi, an IRGC commander, due to his role in sabotaging negotiations. Washington views Vahidi and other IRGC military commanders as obstructing the negotiation process.
According to Tanker Trackers, the Islamic Republic has reactivated the dilapidated tanker "Nasha" (IMO 9079107) to address storage capacity issues at Kharg Island as the maritime blockade of southern ports enters its twelfth day. The 30-year-old VLCC, previously idle, is now taking about four days for its route instead of the usual 1.5 to 2 days, with potential production reductions looming if the blockade continues.
Salar Velayatmadar, a commander of the IRGC and Majles member, made claims about security measures and occult sciences to protect Mojtaba Khamenei, while also asserting that Khamenei is directing war efforts and that Iran's military capabilities are intact and expanding, despite evidence of regime instability and crisis.
Kazem Jalali, the Iranian Ambassador to Russia, informed RIA Novosti that Tehran is considering exceptions to transit fees for the Strait of Hormuz for friendly countries, including Russia, as part of ongoing discussions by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated at the White House that the United States has no objection to the Iranian national football team participating in the World Cup in the country, but emphasized that the team's entourage cannot include members of the IRGC posing as journalists or sports coaches.
Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) serve meals to crew members, with each aircraft carrier strike group typically consuming around 4,000 eggs daily; three such groups are currently operating in the Middle East, collectively using over 12,000 eggs per day.
Iran's Foreign Minister stated that the country is united, a comment widely interpreted to acknowledge the control exerted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) over various sectors of Iranian society.
