Reports related to demonstrations and public protests
Iran continues to refuse in negotiations to open the Strait of Hormuz or relinquish its weapons, according to reports.
The White House has denied a report that Supreme Leader Khamenei ordered highly enriched uranium to remain in Iran, stating it is false, according to a Fox News correspondent citing a source involved in the negotiations.
As of May 21, U.S. Central Command forces have redirected 94 commercial vessels and disabled 4 while enforcing a blockade to prevent commerce from entering and exiting Iranian ports.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) prevented the transfer of over 400 kilograms of uranium out of Iran, a move seen as a key bargaining chip in ongoing negotiations.
Female members of Iran's Basij forces, affiliated with the IRGC, were filmed in Iran field-stripping and reassembling AK-pattern rifles, including North Korean Type 68 and Chinese Type 56 assault rifles.
Anwar Gargash, UAE Presidential Advisor, stated today that the Iranian regime is attempting to establish a new reality following a clear military defeat but its efforts to control the Strait of Hormuz or infringe on the UAE's maritime sovereignty are futile.
IRGC Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani stated that the "Sumud" flotilla's victories have exposed the hypocrisy of Western freedoms and highlighted Zionist oppression, bringing global attention back to Palestine and nearing the end for the "defeated Zionist regime."
On a training flight over regional waters in the Middle East, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer refueled from a KC-135 Stratotanker, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
Iranian ships and vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz must coordinate with the newly established 'Persian Gulf Waterway Management' and obtain a permit from the entity.
Iran has announced a new definition of "managing" the Strait of Hormuz, which extends its claimed regulatory zone into waters also claimed by the United Arab Emirates and Oman. This development is likely to cause tensions in the region.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) to regulate transit through the Hormuz Strait, defining its jurisdiction from Kuh-e Mubarak in Iran to Fujairah in the UAE at the eastern entrance, and from Qeshm Island in Iran to Umm Al-Quwain in the UAE at the western entrance. Transit through this area now requires coordination and authorization from the PGSA.
Iranian President Pezeshkian stated that Iran has consistently honored its commitments and explored all possible paths to avoid war, emphasizing that all diplomatic options remain open.
