Iranian President Pezeshkian stated that former U.S. President Trump has no justification to prevent Iran from exercising its nuclear rights.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is not seeking to expand the war, has not attacked any country, and has no intention of attacking any side under current circumstances, asserting that Iran is only engaged in legitimate self-defense.
As of April 18, no loading activity was observed at Kharg Island in the latest Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, indicating the continued effectiveness of the U.S. naval blockade. The Wall Street Journal reports that the United States is considering seizures of Iran-linked oil tankers globally.
Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of the Islamic Republic, criticized former U.S. President Trump for opposing Iran's nuclear rights while questioning the basis of Trump's authority to restrict those rights. He emphasized the importance of fairness and justice in the international system for all nations.
President Trump has privately resisted pressure to launch an assault on Kharg Island in Iran, citing fears of high US troop casualties.
Mohammad Biyat, a member of Iran's Parliament Internal Affairs Commission, stated that control over the Strait of Hormuz is determined by military strength, not social media or rhetoric. He warned that the Islamic Republic must maintain an offensive stance against political pressures and media tools aimed at transforming its authoritative position into a passive one.
Hamid Reza Haji Babai, Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, announced at a gathering of regime supporters that a special combat unit has been formed within the Parliament to defend the Strait of Hormuz, with all members registering to take up arms against the United States. He previously stated to Fars News Agency that Parliament members would also form a combat unit for ground battles in locations such as Kharg Island.
According to Reuters, officials from the Islamic Republic announced that recent talks with the United States have shown progress but still face differences over issues like the nuclear program and conditions for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate incidents of gunfire in the Strait, raising concerns about shipping conditions.
The U.S. Navy is preparing to board and seize Iranian-linked sanctioned oil tankers in international waters worldwide, with operations set to begin over the next couple of days if a ceasefire does not lead to a deal.
Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces Party, stated that the presence of Hezbollah and its weapons is the reason for the need for a ceasefire, Israeli occupation, prisoners, displaced people, and the necessity for reconstruction in Lebanon.
On Sunday, April 19, 2026, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) posted images on X showing two American aircraft carriers and the amphibious assault ship USS Rashmore conducting maritime encirclement operations in the Arabian Sea, alongside the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney, to halt all maritime economic trade to and from Iran.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that traffic in the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. lifts what Iran considers a siege on its ports. This report comes from Ardavan Roozbeh, a correspondent for Iran International.
On April 18, 2025, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, announced in a video interview that the Islamic Republic controls the Strait of Hormuz and warned that maritime traffic could face restrictions if the opposing side's actions continue. Ghalibaf cited a confrontation between the IRGC Navy and the U.S. Army near the strait, claiming the U.S. had retreated after a warning from Iran.
On April 18, 1983, a suicide bomber from the Islamic Jihad Organization (IJO) carried out a bombing attack against the U.S. Embassy in Beirut using a Chevrolet van packed with explosives, resulting in the deaths of 63 people, including 17 Americans. U.S. investigations later attributed the attack to Hezbollah with support from Iran.
The New York Times, citing U.S. intelligence, reported that Iran likely retains about 70 percent of its pre-war ballistic missile stockpiles and nearly 60 percent of its missile launchers, with Tehran recovering approximately 100 additional launchers since the two-week ceasefire.
Tracking images from the MarineTraffic website show that ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz continued early Sunday morning, despite the Islamic Republic's announcement that it had closed the strait again. The Islamic Republic had previously reopened the strait on Friday as part of a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon.
Former President Donald Trump reposted on Truth Social a video showing graffiti in Iran requesting his help, along with footage of Iranian gatherings supporting the National Revolution. He followed this with an image bearing the words: "The best is yet to come," amid speculation about the future of the temporary ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and the ongoing siege of Iran's southern coasts.
A Pakistani delegation remained in Tehran until late evening on October 12, 2025, attempting to secure a response from the Islamic Republic regime to U.S. demands, but the negotiations ended without a resolution. The regime continues to insist on its positions regarding uranium enrichment and high-enrichment uranium stockpiles, while tensions in the Strait of Hormuz remain high due to the U.S. naval blockade.
President Trump posted a video message approximately 20 minutes ago, calling for "Long live Iran" and "Long live the Shah" using the hashtag #KingRezaPahlavi.
The Economist reported that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has led to higher oil, natural gas, and fertilizer prices, causing farmers to reduce crop planting and fertilizer use, leading to lower harvests and potential food shortages. The World Food Programme estimates that if the situation persists until mid-year, an additional 45 million people will join the more than 300 million already at risk of food insecurity.
