Reactions and statements from the international community
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces intercepted Iranian Islamic Republic missile, drone, and fast boat attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and, in response, targeted the sources of these attacks inside Iran.
CENTCOM announced early Friday that it had conducted strikes on military positions in Iran after Iran targeted warships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM stated it is not seeking to escalate tensions.
Three American destroyers passing through the Strait of Hormuz toward the Persian Gulf came under fire from Iranian missiles, according to a post by President Donald Trump on his social media. Trump claimed the missiles and subsequent drones were neutralized without damage to U.S. vessels.
CENTCOM announced early Friday that it had targeted military positions on Iranian soil in response to Iran's attacks on warships in the Strait of Hormuz, while US President Donald Trump emphasized that the ceasefire remains in place. The United Arab Emirates reported that it had been targeted by Iranian missiles and drones, with its missile defense systems intercepting the attacks.
The United Arab Emirates' air defense system countered a missile and drone attack early Friday morning. This came hours after the United States announced it had thwarted attacks on three of its naval vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and responded by targeting Iranian military positions.
The UAE Ministry of Defense reported on January 15, 2026, that the country's air defenses are intercepting missile attacks and drones originating from Iran. The ministry confirmed that sounds heard in various areas across the UAE are due to the interception of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.
Iranian citizens are expressing relief following the US military operations against the Islamic Republic regime, while regime loyalists are reportedly anxious. The sentiment reflects widespread opposition to the regime's rule.
On Thursday, U.S. President Trump stated that the United States is continuing negotiations with the Iranian regime despite recent hostilities near the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Pakistan has requested that Washington refrain from implementing Trump's plan to escort ships through the Strait during these talks.
Footage reportedly shows the Iranian Navy launching cruise missiles and drones at U.S. destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM announced that U.S. forces intercepted missile, drone, and small boat attacks by the Islamic Republic and struck the sources of these attacks in Iran. CENTCOM emphasized that it is not seeking to escalate tensions.
In a post on Truth Social, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the Islamic Republic of Iran for attacking three U.S. destroyers, stating that Iran is led by "madmen" who would use nuclear weapons if given the chance. Trump also announced that the U.S. naval blockade would continue and potentially intensify if Iran does not sign a proposed agreement.
On Truth Social, former President Donald Trump stated that three U.S. Navy destroyers passed through the Strait of Hormuz while under fire, sustaining no damage but inflicting significant damage on Iranian attackers, including the destruction of a large number of small boats.
