Reactions and statements from the international community
Three U.S. destroyers in the Arabian Sea are enforcing a blockade against Iran, with CENTCOM redirecting 57 commercial vessels and disabling four ships bound for Iranian ports.
Mehdi Taib, commander of the Ammar Headquarters in Iran, stated that as long as Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz and does not allow free passage to enemies, there will be no compromise, indicating a firm stance against foreign threats. He also noted that the current societal outlook is more confident in facing threats compared to the past.
On January 15, 2026, the commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force stated that the force’s missiles and drones are prepared and awaiting orders to launch against the enemy.
The IRGC Navy Command threatened on the X network that any aggression against Iran's tankers and commercial vessels would result in a retaliatory attack on American centers and ships in the region. CENTCOM reported on Saturday that since the Iranian port blockade began, 58 commercial vessels have been rerouted, and four ships have been disabled by U.S. forces to prevent their movement in and out of the ports.
Israel established a covert military outpost in Iraq’s western desert with U.S. knowledge to support its air campaign against Iran, housing Israeli special forces and serving as a logistical hub; the facility was nearly exposed in early March when Iraqi troops investigated, leading to an Israeli airstrike that killed one Iraqi soldier and wounded two others.
Ismail Saghab Esfahani, deputy to Masoud Pezeshkian and head of the Energy Optimization Organization, stated that Iran's infrastructure, gas and fuel networks, and industries including steel and petrochemicals have suffered damage, requiring conservation efforts for the next one and a half to two years.
The Wall Street Journal reported on May 9 that Israel established a secret military base in western Iraq prior to the recent war with Iran, which was used to support aerial operations and house special forces and search and rescue teams. The Iraqi army's investigation of the area was thwarted by Israeli airstrikes, resulting in the death of an Iraqi soldier.
U.S. officials report that Israel established a covert base in western Iraq to conduct strikes against Iran and carried out airstrikes against Iraqi forces that threatened to discover the site early in the conflict.
Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, described Bahrain as a "microscopic country" aligning with the U.S. and warned of serious consequences, including potential Strait of Hormuz implications. Bahrain's Interior Ministry subsequently announced the arrest of 41 individuals charged with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Fox News reported that if U.S. negotiations with Iran fail, the United States will likely target Tehran’s military capabilities, including ballistic missiles, air defense systems, and nuclear-related facilities, according to retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula. White House spokesperson Olivia Wells stated that President Trump keeps all options open to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
CNN reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has increased its influence in Iran's power structure, while hardline factions have stepped up their opposition to a potential agreement with the United States. The report includes an interview with journalist and political analyst Jamshid Barzgar.
Ali Safri, advisor to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic, stated that the priority is to stop the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and prevent "piracy" by the United States. Safri added that Iran has responded to U.S. provocative actions in the Strait of Hormuz and is reviewing Washington's response to Iran's proposal.
