Reactions and statements from the international community
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is experiencing a severe revenue decline due to economic blockades, threatening the stability of the Iranian regime, while US officials make light-hearted comments about personal matters unrelated to the crisis.
The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated 35 individuals and entities as part of the "Economic Fury" campaign, targeting key figures and shell companies involved in Iran's shadow banking system that facilitates illicit oil sales and weapons procurement for the IRGC and the Iranian regime. Among those sanctioned are several "rahbar" companies associated with major Iranian banks and individual shadow banking officials who have processed billions of dollars for Iran's financial institutions.
The Financial Times has published a report addressing the growing rifts within the Iranian regime over negotiations with the United States and the increasing divisions following a ceasefire, focusing on attacks on the negotiating team, particularly former Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
President Donald Trump stated that Tehran has informed Washington of its state of collapse and leadership crisis, and has requested the United States to open the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the M/V Blue Star III in the Arabian Sea today, suspecting it of violating the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports; the vessel was released after a search confirmed it would not call at an Iranian port. To date, 39 vessels have been redirected by U.S. forces to ensure compliance with the blockade.
On April 28, 2026, Fatemeh Mohajerani, spokesperson for the Pezeshkian government, justified the approval of tiered internet and the sale of Pro Internet, stating it was necessary to prevent disruptions in economic activities and ensure business continuity during crises. This comes as the Islamic Republic government has restricted internet access for tens of millions of Iranians since the start of the war on March 29, 2025.
TankerTrackers reports that Iran has up to 20 VLCCs available to store excess crude oil, potentially buying time for Iranian oil fields before forced shutdowns; however, an unknown covert operation targeting subsea manifolds on Kharg Island could halt oil flow, rendering the VLCCs idle and causing rapid well shutdowns.
The U.S. Energy Secretary stated that ships can resume passage through the Strait of Hormuz without the need for complete mine clearance, asserting that establishing a safe corridor is sufficient.
Chris Wright, U.S. Secretary of Energy, announced at the "Three Seas Initiative" meeting in Dubrovnik that creating a safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is sufficient to resume ship traffic, without the need for complete mine clearance. Wright also revealed plans to increase U.S. oil and gas exports to Europe.
President Donald Trump of the United States posted on Truth Social that the Islamic Republic of Iran has informed him the country is in a state of collapse and has requested the U.S. to open the Strait of Hormuz.
Ibrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Parliament's National Security Commission in Iran, declared that the Islamic Republic is prepared for a "long-term war" and has not revealed all of its new weaponry capabilities. He also stated that the regime will not permit any oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without its approval, asserting control over the strategic waterway.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched an interceptor to neutralize a drone targeting IDF troops in southern Lebanon.
