Reactions and statements from the international community
European natural gas futures prices surged 11% to €43 per megawatt hour in early Monday Asian trading after Iran re-closed the Strait of Hormuz, following Tehran's earlier claim that it was open. This move has significantly affected global energy markets.
Australia's Defense Minister Richard Marles described Iran's re-closure of the Strait of Hormuz as disappointing during an interview with ABC News, calling for diplomatic efforts to ensure the strait reopens and global fuel supply chains return to normal. Marles also stated that the U.S. decision to prevent ships from leaving Iranian ports is a response to Iran's actions and expressed hope for the strait to be reopened.
Ibrahim Azizi, the head of the National Security Stable of the Iranian Parliament, stated in an interview with Ayatollah BBC that Tehran will not relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as an "inalienable right" and a tool for confronting enemies, while also reporting on the drafting of a bill to formalize this claim into law.
On Saturday, a French ship operated by CMA CGM and two Indian-flagged vessels were targeted by gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz; CMA CGM described the incident involving their ship as a "warning shot." British naval sources also reported attacks on an oil tanker and a cargo ship in the same area, though details remain unclear.
On Saturday, more than 20 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the highest traffic level since early March, according to Kepler Shipping Data Analysis Company. At least five of these vessels were carrying cargoes loaded by the Iranian regime, including petroleum products and metals.
Reuters, citing Kepler, a shipping data analytics firm, reported that more than 20 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, the highest number since March 1. Five of these ships loaded cargoes including petroleum products and metals from Iran.
Renewed tensions in the Middle East, including the US seizure of an Iranian ship and Iran's non-participation in talks, have driven global markets toward safe-haven assets, strengthening the US dollar and weakening the euro, pound, Japanese yen, and Chinese yuan, while also pressuring cryptocurrency markets.
On December 15, 2025, a U.S. Sailor signaled an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as part of U.S. naval blockade operations in regional waters off the coast of Iran.
On January 15, 2026, the USS Spruance, a US Navy destroyer, disabled the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ship Touska by striking its engine room with multiple 5 inch MK 45 gun rounds, according to CENTCOM.
IDF troops in Lebanon eliminated an armed Hezbollah operative who crossed the Forward Defense Line and advanced toward them, breaching the ceasefire. The number of Hezbollah members eliminated since the ceasefire was not specified in the report.
An airstrike was reported in the mountainous area of Makiras district, which is under the control of Houthi forces in Yemen.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the Navy intercepted, struck, and boarded the Iranian-flagged cargo ship TOUSKA as it attempted to breach the U.S. naval blockade.
