Reactions and statements from the international community
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened to occupy Bahrain and convert it into a military base in the event of renewed conflict. This threat underscores the destabilizing policies of the Islamic Republic in the Persian Gulf region.
President Trump's team rejected the conditions set by the Islamic Republic of Iran for controlling the Strait of Hormuz, stating that only the "America First" policy will guide U.S. decision-making. Iran had published a map claiming control over the strait and proposed charging fees for ship passage, which Washington deemed unacceptable.
According to Iran's Al-Arabiya TV, a final draft of a U.S.-Iran agreement has been reached, which includes an immediate ceasefire, freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, gradual sanctions relief, and negotiations on remaining issues.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that today's nuclear exercises will include live launches of both ballistic and cruise missiles.
The U.S. is maintaining a naval blockade and maximum sanctions on Iran to weaken the regime financially, expanding U.S. oil production and regional pipeline projects with Gulf allies to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, and deploying the U.S. Navy to secure shipping lanes and escort tankers.
Members of Iran’s Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee introduced a bill offering a €50 million bounty for the assassination of President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and other senior U.S. and Israeli officials, reportedly in retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei.
Kuwait's prosecution indicted four IRGC members who attempted to enter the country by sea to carry out terror attacks against American and Kuwaiti targets; two other cell members escaped after exchanging fire with Kuwaiti troops.
The UAE has advanced its "Hormuz Strait Bypass" pipeline project to 50% completion, as announced by the CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), amid a UN Security Council emergency meeting following a drone attack on the Barakah nuclear plant.
Hardline Iranian influencer Ali Gholhaki claims the U.S. has proposed a comprehensive package to Iran, including reopening discussions on the Strait of Hormuz, releasing approximately $25 billion in frozen assets, a 30-day oil sales exemption, uranium transfer abroad, and acceptance of 3.67% enrichment limits. Iran demands a 30-day verification period for all phases before committing to nuclear talks.
On December 12, 2025, in the Gulf of Oman, U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the Iranian-flagged oil tanker M/T Celestial Sea, suspected of violating the U.S. blockade. The vessel was released after a search and ordered to alter its course; U.S. forces have redirected 91 commercial ships in total to enforce compliance with the blockade.
Sources report that Iran has strengthened its control over the Strait of Hormuz in the past month by deploying mines, increasing troop and air defense presence on islands, and introducing tariffs for vessels passing through the strait.
Iranian state media released previously unseen photos showing Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei with the late former President Ebrahim Raisi.
