Reactions and statements from the international community
The Islamic Republic of Iran has launched a new system called "Hormuz Safe" to offer insurance services for maritime cargoes passing through the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to increase its presence in the regional marine insurance and transportation market.
Goldie Ghamari joined the Iranian-Canadian community in Montreal today to support the fight for freedom and democracy in Iran against the Islamic Regime.
The British government has deployed the APKWS system, a low-cost anti-drone weapon mounted on Typhoon fighter jets with laser-guided capabilities, in the Middle East to protect British citizens and regional partners from drone attacks. The British Ministry of Defence accelerated the system's move from testing to deployment within a few months to enhance security against such threats.
USAF C-17 transport aircraft are continuing a pattern observed before the start of military operations against Iran on February 28, shuttling between European and Middle Eastern locations.
The Trump administration did not renew the sanctions waiver that had allowed countries to purchase Russian seaborne oil, which was issued following the U.S. and Israel's war with the Islamic Republic and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The waiver, set to expire on Saturday, had previously been extended for one month but was not renewed as stated by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
On May 16, 2025, the Trump administration did not renew the Russian oil sanctions waiver, allowing it to expire, which had previously permitted countries like India to purchase Russian oil. The U.S. Treasury Department made no announcement regarding the extension of this waiver on its website.
Former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim described Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz as "political thuggery" and stated that hosting U.S. military bases is not shameful, noting that many regional countries host foreign allies for protection.
Fahimeh Najjar Ajam, a 22-year-old accounting graduate from Azadshahr, was killed by regime forces on January 8 while aiding a wounded stranger during anti-government protests. Her body was withheld for a week before being released to her family under strict security measures.
The New York Times reported that the United States and Israel are making extensive military preparations since the ceasefire, with a final decision pending from former President Donald Trump. Interviews were conducted with Ashkan Safaei and Ardavan Roozbeh of Iran International.
Presenters from Iran's state television appeared on live TV programs with guns, while on the Ofogh network, a masked military personnel demonstrated weapon usage and the host fired shots in the studio.
CENTCOM announced that since the start of the blockade of Iran's southern coasts, 78 commercial ships have been forced to change course, and 4 ships have been disabled to enforce the blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM also released footage from a U.S. Army helicopter monitoring ships in the region.
On Friday, May 16, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that 78 commercial ships have been forced to alter their course due to a maritime blockade of Iran near the Strait of Hormuz, with four vessels disabled to enforce the blockade.CENTCOM also stated that 15 ships carrying humanitarian aid were granted passage.
