Reactions and statements from the international community
Benjamin Netanyahu announced that two Iranian missile attacks on southern Israel injured more than 120 people, with 11 in critical condition; the first attack hit Dimona and the second struck Arad, causing severe damage to residential buildings.
A Singapore-flagged tanker carrying U.S. liquefied gas arrived at the port of New Mangalore in southern India on Sunday, March 22, as the country struggles with an energy crisis due to the conflict involving Iran. India, the world's third-largest oil importer, has experienced severe disruptions in energy transportation through the Strait of Hormuz as a result of the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran.
Seyyed Ali Mousavi, the Iranian Ambassador to Britain and Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization, stated hours after a threat attributed to Trump that "the Strait of Hormuz is open to all except enemies," emphasizing the need for coordination with Iranian authorities for ship and crew safety.
Mehr News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Propaganda Organization, threatened that the entire region will plunge into darkness if there is any attack on Iran's electrical infrastructure, following U.S. President Donald Trump's 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
On the evening of Saturday, April 21, 2025, the Islamic Republic of Iran launched heavy attacks on Israeli cities including Dimona and Arad using long-range missiles for the first time. At least 75 people were injured in Arad, with 10 in critical condition.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that Japan could consider deploying its military for minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz if a ceasefire is reached in the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, should naval mines obstruct vital oil supply routes.
Ali Mousavi, Iran's permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization, stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all except "enemies," requiring coordination with Iranian authorities for security and safety. Mousavi emphasized that Tehran is ready to cooperate with the IMO and other countries to enhance maritime safety and protect seafarers, while stressing the need for "complete cessation of aggression and mutual trust and confidence."
In a Fox News television report, former President Donald Trump warned Iran that it must fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face targeted strikes on the country's energy facilities and power plants. The Strait of Hormuz is crucial for global oil transit, with about one-fifth of global oil passing through it daily.
Reuters reported that the United States, under President Trump's 48-hour deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, could target three major power plants in Iran: Damavand, Kerman, and Ramin Khuzestan, which are the largest in the country.
On Sunday, March 21, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Truth Social that if Iran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz without threats within 48 hours, the U.S. will target Iran's power plants, starting with the largest one. In response, Iran's Central Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters warned that any such action would result in targeting American and regional energy infrastructure.
Axios reported that the Trump administration has initiated reviews on potential peace negotiations with Iran, involving Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, while Egypt, Qatar, and Britain are facilitating indirect communications between the two sides. Tehran has expressed interest in negotiations with stringent conditions, including a ceasefire and reparations, while the U.S. is seeking six commitments from Iran, including halting its missile program and dismantling nuclear facilities.
The United States has launched Operation Epic Fury against the Islamic Republic of Iran as a response to a prior agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The operation does not include ground troops in Tehran, differing from previous interventions like Operation Iraqi Freedom.
