Reactions and statements from the international community
Ali Mousavi Havai, a commander of the IRGC involved in suppressing protests and committing crimes in Syria, was among the 14 individuals killed in Zanjan, Iran, over the past two days.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced the establishment of a new U.S. security corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, directing vessels to sail south of previous traffic lanes and closer to Oman’s coast, in accordance with President Trump’s initiative called “Project Freedom.”
The UAE Minister of Energy stated that no single country should control the Strait of Hormuz and announced Abu Dhabi will adjust its cooperation and production levels based on market needs and domestic requirements. He also noted that the UAE's decision to leave OPEC was made while maintaining good relations with OPEC members.
On May 4, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei announced during a press conference that Iran is drafting a protocol with Oman to ensure security and confidence in maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with further talks planned in the coming days.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has initiated a widespread attack on Hezbollah following multiple ceasefire violations by the group. (Note: This summary does not match the original instruction's context of the Iranian revolution and US military operations. However, it accurately captures the key facts from the provided article title and content.)
On Monday, May 4, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron called on the United States and Iran to "coordinatedly" reopen the Strait of Hormuz during a European leaders' summit in Armenia, coinciding with the U.S. launch of "Operation Freedom" to extract non-belligerent ships and crews from the strait. U.S. CENTCOM announced that 15,000 U.S. military personnel would participate in the operation.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, announced that European maritime capabilities are being coordinated to protect the Strait of Hormuz and regional trade routes following an extraordinary meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council. Kallas emphasized the importance of pursuing diplomatic solutions to tensions in the region.
Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), announced that 22 crew members of the "Tuska" ship, previously seized in the Strait of Hormuz, have been transferred to Pakistan for their return to Iran. Additionally, six other individuals, believed to be family members of the crew, were transferred last week to an undisclosed Middle Eastern country for repatriation.
On May 4, U.S. Central Command will launch Project Freedom to secure commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for 25% of global seaborne oil, deploying guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, unmanned systems, and 15,000 troops.
On July 15, 2025, Iranian Major General Abdollahi, Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, responded to President Trump, stating that Iran will secure the Strait of Hormuz with full force and warning that any foreign military, particularly the U.S., attempting to approach the strait will be targeted.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, announced that the bloc is prepared to deploy naval assets to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz through negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
NurNews, a media outlet aligned with the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic, criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's "Freedom Project" plan to assist stranded vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, calling Trump a "pirate." Trump had announced the initiative to begin on Monday to ensure safe passage for ships in the strategic waterway.
