Reactions and statements from the international community
A tanker named "Elpis," managed by a Malaysian company previously sanctioned by the United States, passed through the Strait of Hormuz after loading cargo at Bushehr port in Iran, marking one of the first tests of the U.S. maritime blockade.
Direct negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States in Islamabad concluded without reaching an agreement. The failure of the talks has left the fragile ceasefire intact but continued the U.S. naval blockade of Iran, raising concerns about the possibility of renewed conflict in the region.
Emmanuel Macron's office announced that France and Britain will chair a video conference on the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, April 28, to discuss regional security issues.
During the ongoing ceasefire between the United States and the Islamic Republic, the U.S. military reports the encirclement of Iranian ports, while international media note potential new talks between Tehran and Washington in Islamabad.
A citizen in Sistan and Baluchestan sent a video to Iran International showing IRGC agents hiding a missile launcher inside a school.
Footage shows a Hezbollah member being taken out by an Israeli drone in Southern Lebanon. Hezbollah's involvement in the war in Iran, despite being controlled and funded by the IRGC, has led to significant conflict in South Lebanon.
Hamid Reza Haji Babai, Deputy Speaker of Parliament in Iran, stated that the Iranian people have 10 main demands to be raised internationally and at the UN Security Council, and warned that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz must comply with Iranian rules and face restrictions if their countries sanction Iran.
In a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Iranian President Pezeshkian stated that despite expert understandings reached between the parties, the excessive demands and lack of political will from senior US officials have prevented the finalization of the agreement.
Human Rights Watch stated on April 13 that Israel's attacks on four oil depots around Tehran on March 6, 2025, may cause long-term damage to human health and the environment, constituting violations of international humanitarian law and potential war crimes.
The tanker "Peace Gulf," flying the Panamanian flag, entered the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz today and is heading toward Al Hamriyah port in the United Arab Emirates. This is the third tanker linked to Iran to pass through the Strait of Hormuz recently, following two previously sanctioned vessels that are not subject to the U.S. blockade.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun condemned the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as "dangerous and irresponsible," warning it would escalate tensions and jeopardize navigation. Xi Jinping warned against a return to the "law of the jungle," emphasizing the need for justice in international relations.
A Lebanese official informs Al Jazeera that today's talks with Israel focus solely on reaching a ceasefire, with the Lebanese Ambassador to Washington restricted to this mandate. The official describes the session as preliminary, noting U.S. Secretary of State Rubio's involvement as a sign of American support for the negotiations.
