Reactions and statements from the international community
The US has intensified efforts to pressure European nations to join a coalition aimed at restoring freedom in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.
The United States is working to form a new coalition to secure ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, focusing on information sharing, diplomatic coordination, and sanctions implementation to pressure the Islamic Republic regime, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Based on a Bloomberg report, the United States is considering transferring its "Dark Eagle" hypersonic missiles to the Middle East at the request of CENTCOM to target ballistic missile launch platforms deep inside Iran. This move comes as the U.S. reviews its options following the halt of negotiations with Iran.
The Israeli Navy has begun intercepting a flotilla of approximately 100 vessels and 1,000 activists sailing to challenge Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. Israel's Foreign Ministry released a video showing condoms and drugs found during the interception.
In an interview with Axios, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that a naval blockade of Iran is more effective than bombing and rejected Tehran's proposal to initially open the Strait of Hormuz and lift the blockade as part of negotiations.
Iran's President Pezeshkian stated that Iran is committed to ensuring the freedom of navigation and security in the Strait of Hormuz for all countries except those deemed hostile.
Iran football chief Mehdi Taj was expelled from Canada at the airport due to ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This action follows years of campaigning by Iranians both inside and outside the country to end the regime's involvement in international sports.
The United States Treasury Secretary announces the freezing of personal assets, including bank accounts, pension funds, and luxury properties in Southern France, of IRGC commanders and senior officials as part of the maximum economic pressure strategy against the Islamic Republic's networks. This action targets hidden wealth and aims to close sanctions evasion loopholes and exert financial pressure on the IRGC's power and wealth structure.
Oil prices surged to an unprecedented $126 per barrel on May 29 after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the potential prolongation of the naval blockade of Iran until an agreement is reached. This marks the highest price in global markets since the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In an interview with media outlets affiliated with the Islamic Republic regime, former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei admitted that the regime's military targets have been effectively destroyed following attacks by the United States and Israel, suggesting potential future attacks on southern coasts, areas near Isfahan, western parts, and even in Tehran.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has requested the deployment of the "Dark Eagle" hypersonic missile in the Middle East to target the Islamic Republic regime, whose missile launchers are now beyond the range of conventional precision strike systems. A decision on the deployment has not yet been finalized.
Brad Cooper, Commander of CENTCOM, announced that the naval blockade of Iran's ports has prevented the sale of approximately 69 million barrels of Iranian oil.
