Reactions and statements from the international community
President Donald Trump of the United States emphasized a naval blockade of Iran until a lasting agreement is reached, asserting that the U.S. military can destroy Iran's naval, air, and air defense forces in one day.
China's Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the U.S. seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that normal and legitimate trade should not be disrupted. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun called for the involved parties to refrain from tension escalation and rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that the ship was carrying a "gift from China."
USAF B-52H heavy bombers remain forward deployed and armed at bases in England during the ongoing ceasefire with Iran.
High-ranking political and military officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran have recently issued unified messages on social media in response to Donald Trump's comments about divisions within the regime, stating their allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, stated that the absence of nuclear experts in negotiations with the Islamic Republic could result in a weaker agreement than the JCPOA. Previously, Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, emphasized the need for IAEA verification at the negotiating table to ensure a real agreement rather than an illusion.
On Tuesday, April 22, 2026, Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, rejected the joint statement issued by Arab foreign ministers following an extraordinary virtual meeting in Bahrain, where the ministers held Iran responsible for damages from the recent crisis over the threat to close the Strait of Hormuz.
Ali Nikzad, Deputy Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, addressed the Persian Gulf countries, accusing them of allowing the U.S. to use their territory against Iran and emphasizing Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz and its nuclear rights.
Former US President Trump participated in peace talks with Lebanon tonight and announced the extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon by three weeks, calling for the repeal of laws that prohibit talks with Israelis.
CNN, citing American sources, reported that the United States is considering options to target Ahmad Vahidi, an IRGC commander, due to his role in sabotaging negotiations. Washington views Vahidi and other IRGC military commanders as obstructing the negotiation process.
According to Tanker Trackers, the Islamic Republic has reactivated the dilapidated tanker "Nasha" (IMO 9079107) to address storage capacity issues at Kharg Island as the maritime blockade of southern ports enters its twelfth day. The 30-year-old VLCC, previously idle, is now taking about four days for its route instead of the usual 1.5 to 2 days, with potential production reductions looming if the blockade continues.
Salar Velayatmadar, a commander of the IRGC and Majles member, made claims about security measures and occult sciences to protect Mojtaba Khamenei, while also asserting that Khamenei is directing war efforts and that Iran's military capabilities are intact and expanding, despite evidence of regime instability and crisis.
Kazem Jalali, the Iranian Ambassador to Russia, informed RIA Novosti that Tehran is considering exceptions to transit fees for the Strait of Hormuz for friendly countries, including Russia, as part of ongoing discussions by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
