Reports related to demonstrations and public protests
Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), will testify before the House Armed Services Committee this morning on CENTCOM's operational posture.🔴 Live stream available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aZmuhCpmF4
In an interview with the New York Post, President Trump declined to comment on claims that the Islamic Republic of Iran is stalling in nuclear negotiations and discussions about reopening the Strait of Hormuz, saying, "I don't hear anything and can't talk to you about it. It's a negotiation, and I don't want to be a fool."
President Trump stated there is a possibility of resolving the situation with Iran without military action, expressing preference for a diplomatic solution over bombing.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) continues to enforce the U.S. blockade against Iranian ports, redirecting 85 commercial vessels to ensure full compliance.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards are threatening to require permits for internet cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Sentinel-2 satellite imagery from May 16 shows approximately 20 oil and gas tankers anchored off Iran’s Kharg Island, with one LPG tanker reportedly loading cargo, possibly the first gas shipment from the island since the U.S. naval blockade began.
U.S. Sailors aboard USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) are monitoring and enforcing the U.S. maritime blockade in the Arabian Sea; as of May 18, CENTCOM forces have redirected 84 commercial vessels and disabled 4.
A Hezbollah-linked source informed Al Hadath that the group will not accept a return to the situation prior to March 2 and has set its ceasefire conditions based on Israel's obligations, though it remains open to negotiation objectives. Hezbollah emphasized the importance of a unified Lebanese stance and the influence of regional dynamics on the outcome.
CENTCOM reported that an F-35 stealth fighter was refueled during a routine patrol over regional waters in the Middle East.
On Matin Parvizi's birthday, a 26-year-old who died from IRGC gunfire during the Zanjan uprising on Dey 19, his family and relatives held a celebration at his graveside in Zanjan. The event honored him as a martyr for the freedom movement against the Islamic Republic regime.
Reports indicate that the Basij, a paramilitary group in Iran, is conducting weapons training courses in mosques, raising concerns about the militarization of religious spaces.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that collecting passage fees in the Strait of Hormuz is both legally and logically justified.
