Reports related to demonstrations and public protests
On May 7, US Central Command announced that American forces intercepted and neutralized missile, drone, and small boat attacks by Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz and retaliated by striking the sources of these attacks in Iran.
According to CBS News, the U.S. destroyers USS Truxtun and USS Mason were targeted by attacks from Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz, involving speedboats, drones, and missiles; U.S. forces responded with naval guns, close-in defense systems, and air support, with no reported damage or casualties to U.S. ships.
IRIB reported that after clashes in the Strait of Hormuz and increased air defense activity over Tehran, pro-regime crowds in western Tehran gathered and chanted support for Iran’s armed forces, urging them to retaliate strongly.
The United States conducted military strikes against targets of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Qeshm and Bandar Abbas, Iran. The attacks were aimed at destroying the "terrorist Islamic Regime" occupying Iran and supporting calls for the liberation of the country.
Russian President Putin has unilaterally declared a ceasefire in honor of "Victory Day," effective from May 8 to May 10. Less than five minutes after the ceasefire began, air raid sirens sounded in several Ukrainian regions, and reports emerged of drones over Kharkiv.
Iran reports that the US Navy disabled a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz; confirmation from CENTCOM is pending.
Iran claims it struck U.S. Navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz. (Caution advised on Iranian regime statements.)
According to Iran International, a reported meeting between Masoud Pezeshkian and Mojtaba Khamenei was fabricated; Pezeshkian's requests for a meeting were rejected five times by Khamenei's office.
The United Arab Emirates reportedly retaliated against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) after months of defensive posturing, according to a tweet by @Nioh_Berg. If confirmed, this action could significantly alter the regional dynamics.
As of the latest update from CENTCOM, the USS George H.W. Bush is operating with over 20 additional U.S. warships in blockade operations against Iran.
Fars News Agency reports exchanges of fire between the IRGC and an unnamed “enemy” near Bandar Abbas, with commercial port facilities reportedly hit during the clashes.
Pezeshkian claims to have met with Mojtaba, the deputy supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, but Persian-speaking analysts on Iran International argue that IRGC commanders are shocked by this claim and believe it to be false.
