Reactions and statements from the international community
The government-affiliated Hamshahri newspaper reported that Mohsen Rezaei, former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has been appointed as the military advisor to the "Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces."
According to IranWire, the Iranian regime and the IRGC have no post-war plans and intend to continue the conflict despite concerns over economic difficulties and public discontent, as expressed by Masoud Pezeshkian during an informal meeting with the IRGC.
Peter Navarro, head of the White House's Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy, stated that neutralizing the threat of the Islamic Republic could significantly reduce crude oil prices, citing a "fear risk premium" that has driven up global oil prices by $5 to $15 per barrel due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report set to be published on March 16 by Reuters.
U.S. intelligence agencies believe that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may be homosexual, a claim reported by The New York Post, suggesting this could undermine his support among Islamic regime elites.
On Monday, the Israeli army conducted a major attack in central Tehran, destroying a complex used by the Iranian regime to develop capabilities for attacking satellites in space, including the construction of the "Chamran-1" satellite.
On January 15, 2026, the Israeli Air Force conducted a strike in Tehran, destroying a facility linked to Iran’s military space program, including activities related to the "Chamran-1" satellite launched by the IRGC in 2024. This attack is part of Israel's ongoing efforts to curb Iran's expanding space warfare capabilities.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bennett told CNBC that any action to curb oil prices depends on the duration of the war with Iran, and noted that while more ships are passing through the Strait of Hormuz, including those from India, Iran, and China, Iran appears to be maintaining the passage's openness.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Monday that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for reducing prices in his country and that he is consulting with Britain's partners to achieve this goal.
Israel's Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, warned during an army assessment meeting that Naim Qassem, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, will face severe consequences for his actions, stating, "Hezbollah will pay a heavy price for its aggressions and activities on the Islamic Republic's path to destroy Israel." Katz also accused Qassem of displacing over one million Shiites in their own land while hiding underground.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) posted on its "X" account, sharing a video of fighter jet operations on the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is conducting round-the-clock flight operations and successive strikes near Iran as part of Operation Epic Wrath. Previously, Iranian Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf claimed the carrier was forced to retreat due to missile threats and IRGC speedboats.
Israeli Defense Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that the IDF has commenced a ground operation in Lebanon to eliminate threats and protect Israeli residents in the Galilee and north. The minister warned that Hezbollah would face severe consequences for its aggressive actions aligned with Iran's interests.
The Kremlin declined to comment on a report by Kuwaiti newspaper Al Jarida claiming that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, underwent a successful operation in Moscow and is recovering in a private clinic. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, "We do not comment on such reports," when asked about the claims.
