Reactions and statements from the international community
Barak Ravid of Axios reports that U.S. President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran, awaiting a response from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to recent negotiation proposals; Khamenei is expected to deliver his response on Wednesday.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, stated on Tuesday after an EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is "non-negotiable" and announced plans to expand sanctions targeting those responsible for impeding navigation in the Persian Gulf.
On December 15, 2025, an Iranian gunboat fired on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, severely damaging the vessel's bridge; the crew is reported to be safe, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
The British Ministry of Defence announced that London will host military planners from over 30 countries starting Wednesday for two days of discussions on a multinational mission led by Britain and France to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting, taking place at Britain's Permanent Joint Headquarters in northwest London, aims to advance detailed planning for maintaining freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.
In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a temporary ceasefire extension at the request of Pakistani officials, the Tasnim news agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that Iran had not requested the ceasefire and threatened to use force to break the naval siege if necessary. Tasnim further stated that Iran would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the naval blockade ends, and warned that the strait could be completely closed if the U.S. continues its military posture.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bennett announced that the United States will continue its maritime blockade of Iran, stating that Kharg Island's storage facilities will be filled and Iran's oil wells shut down over the next few days, aiming to restrict the regime's revenue through the "Economic Wrath" campaign.
On Tuesday, April 21, the U.S. State Department sanctioned eight individuals and four entities involved in Iran's drone and ballistic missile supply networks, including Mahan Air airline, under Operation "Martyr's Fury" and in accordance with National Security Directive 45. Two aircraft belonging to Mahan Air were also identified as blocked assets.
The United States Navy deployed the GARC unmanned surface vessel in the Persian Gulf to conduct maritime patrols and gather intelligence against the Islamic Republic of Iran's Navy, specifically targeting IRGC fast boats. This system has logged hundreds of hours of operations as part of U.S. maritime security efforts in the region.
President Trump announced on Truth Social that the Islamic Republic regime's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz are a facade, as the regime actually relies on the strait for daily revenue of about $500 million. He warned that severe pressures, including military options, are necessary to reach any agreement with the regime.
The Wall Street Journal reported, citing American officials, that former President Donald Trump recently asked his advisors about bombing Iran but decided to maintain the policy of sustained pressure on Tehran. Trump administration officials believe this approach can be effective and are prepared to continue it indefinitely until Iran presents a specific proposal for negotiations.
A video obtained by Iran International shows a citizen reporting an advertisement from the Khomenei Relief Committee requesting donations for the construction of a mausoleum for Ali Khamenei, despite the country's severe economic hardships.
President Donald Trump of the United States announced on Truth Social that the U.S. has implemented a naval blockade to completely block the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the Islamic Republic is merely posturing about closing the strait to save face.
