Reactions and statements from the international community
The IRGC Navy threatened to target U.S. centers and ships in the region if there is "aggression" against Islamic Republic vessels.
Masoud Pezeshkian, in a session on the "Neighborhood-Centric and Mosque-Centric" plan, urged Iranians to conserve energy by turning off lights, equating this action to supporting the war effort against the enemy. He emphasized the need for societal cooperation to counter economic warfare tactics employed by adversaries.
The spokesperson for the Islamic Republic's army warned that countries adhering to U.S. sanctions against Iran will face issues navigating through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran now requires vessels to coordinate with it to pass through. This warning comes amid heightened tensions and reduced ship traffic in the strategic waterway.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has threatened to target U.S. bases and facilities in the Middle East if its commercial fleet is attacked, following U.S. strikes on two oil tankers affiliated with Iran. The regime's army spokesman also warned that countries adhering to U.S. sanctions on Iran will face issues navigating through the Strait of Hormuz.
Kayhan newspaper, supervised by Hossein Shariatmadari, criticized the IRGC Navy for allowing ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing "maritime blockade" imposed by the United States, describing it as a "one-sided concession."
Mohammad Akrami-Nia, spokesman for the Islamic Republic's army, warned that countries complying with U.S. sanctions against Iran will face issues navigating the Strait of Hormuz. He also stated that despite a ceasefire, Iran views the current situation as a state of war and noted ongoing military developments by adversaries in the region.
On Saturday, May 9, relative calm prevailed around the Strait of Hormuz following several days of sporadic tensions. The United States is awaiting a response from the Islamic Republic regarding Washington's latest proposal to end the conflict and initiate peace negotiations, with no official reaction from Tehran observed yet.
British parliamentarian and shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel criticized the UK government's silence on the "crimes" of the Islamic Republic, calling for the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization due to its threats against Britain and its repression of freedoms.
Ahmad al-Sharaa and the Syrian government announced full support for Bahrain following the arrest of 41 individuals accused of ties to the IRGC, emphasizing solidarity in preserving internal security and stability. This statement came after similar support was expressed by Egypt and Kuwait.
Israel's Channel 14 reported that Saudi Arabia threatened to deny the use of its airspace and bases to the United States if President Trump's "Freedom Project" to close the Strait of Hormuz proceeded, citing concerns about escalating regional tensions. Trump ended the mission 36 hours after it began.
Three U.S. destroyers in the Arabian Sea are enforcing a blockade against Iran, with CENTCOM redirecting 57 commercial vessels and disabling four ships bound for Iranian ports.
Mehdi Taib, commander of the Ammar Headquarters in Iran, stated that as long as Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz and does not allow free passage to enemies, there will be no compromise, indicating a firm stance against foreign threats. He also noted that the current societal outlook is more confident in facing threats compared to the past.
