Reactions and statements from the international community
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.
Russia has commenced large-scale nuclear exercises, raising its nuclear readiness to heightened levels and preparing for the potential deployment of nuclear weapons to Belarus, involving over 200 missile launchers, 140 aircraft, and 13 submarines.
The IRGC released a statement asserting that Iran did not deploy all its military capabilities in recent conflicts, contrasting this with claims that the U.S. and Israel exhausted theirs. The statement further warned that future aggression would trigger the activation of "new regional and extra-regional capabilities."
On May 15, a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E heavy-lift helicopter took off from the flight deck of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The CH-53E is capable of rapidly delivering payloads weighing up to 36,000 pounds.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) expressed hope that the Trump administration will reject Iran's efforts to further delay nuclear negotiations, criticizing Iran for what he views as a tactic of prolonging talks to avoid reaching a deal. Graham stated his intention to review any potential agreement in the Senate.
President Trump stated that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and does not belong to the "terrorist regime of the Islamic Republic," warning that any action taken would severely hinder Iran's ability to recover for a prolonged period.
NATO officials report that the US military plans to withdraw more than 5000 troops from Europe.
Europol announced the removal or restriction of more than 14,200 posts, user accounts, and internet links associated with the IRGC's propaganda and media network across 19 countries. The main IRGC account on X, with over 150,000 followers, was also suspended or restricted in EU member countries following the IRGC's designation as a terrorist group by the European Union.
The U.S. Treasury designates over 50 entities, including the Amin Exchange currency house and 19 vessels, for facilitating billions of dollars in sanctions evasion revenue through Iran's shadow banking system and petroleum smuggling networks. Individuals targeted include Yousef Ebrahimi, Samad Nematy, Ali Hazratichakherlou, and Mahmoud Ebrahimi.
During the testing of an air defense system in Andimeshk, Khuzestan province, an IRGC projectile struck a residential building, wounding at least four people.
Iran utilized the ceasefire period to repair more than 50 damaged ballistic missile sites, relocate mobile missile launchers, and modify its tactical approach in order to continue hostilities.
