Reactions and statements from the international community
On Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian provincial authorities reported that loud sounds heard were due to air defenses engaging drones. No explosions or damage were reported.
Iranian activist Goldie Ghamari emphasizes that Iran should not be conflated with the Islamic Republic regime, which she says has controlled the country for 47 years. Ghamari expresses gratitude to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for recognizing this distinction.
The President of the United States announced early Wednesday the temporary suspension of military operations in the Strait of Hormuz following firm warnings from the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In the early hours of Wednesday, explosion sounds were reported in Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island, Hormozgan Province; the governorate’s public relations office stated that the sounds from Qeshm Island were due to countermeasures against drones and UAVs, with no damage reported, while no explanation was provided for the sounds in Bandar Abbas.
Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, stated on May 5 that Iran's national team will only participate in the 2026 World Cup if the United States guarantees it will not insult the Islamic Republic's military institutions, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, following an incident where Iranian officials were denied entry to Canada due to ties to the IRGC.
South Korea's HMM shipping company reported that one of its bulk carriers sustained damage from an explosion and fire in the Strait of Hormuz and will be towed to a port in Dubai for investigation. Reports also indicate an increase in maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf, including a possible attack on a cargo ship and fires on several vessels, with Western officials stating that some crew members were injured in one incident.
Abbas Araghchi, Iran's deputy foreign minister, is set to meet his Chinese counterpart to discuss regional and international issues amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed hope that China will address Tehran's actions, which could lead to increased international isolation, and noted that the U.S. "Freedom Project" to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz has been temporarily suspended.
Vaynet reported that Israel has placed its military on high alert and mobilized reserve forces despite Iran halting the "Strait of Hormuz Freedom Project" to ensure maritime security; U.S. President Trump announced on Tuesday evening that he is temporarily suspending the project due to progress toward an agreement with Iran.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran is attempting to make passage through the Strait of Hormuz conditional on payment for ships not affiliated with the regime, while Iranian ships move freely without cost. Rubio warned that Tehran aims to normalize this illegal practice in global trade.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio criticized the Islamic Republic of Iran for its actions in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the idea of the regime possessing nuclear weapons is "utterly unacceptable" and would pose a significant threat to global security.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio warned that allowing the Islamic Republic of Iran to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz could set a dangerous precedent for other international shipping routes, threatening global trade and maritime security.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio called on the United Nations to condemn the Islamic Republic of Iran for attacking commercial ships and laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, urging diplomatic and economic isolation if such actions continue.
