Reactions and statements from the international community
The New York Post reported, citing informed sources, that competition among factions in the Islamic Republic, particularly the growing influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has complicated efforts to mediate with the United States.
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed held a phone conversation about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington, warning against the re-escalation of hostilities and its potential impact on civilian casualties in Iran and Arab countries in the region.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone conversation regarding the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need to support ongoing negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic and warning that renewed hostilities could result in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage in Iran and neighboring Arab countries.
The U.S. Central Command announced that American forces intercepted and disabled two empty oil tankers, "Suda" and "Sea Star 3," flying the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Sea of Oman, after they violated the maritime blockade. The tankers were disabled through an F-18 fighter jet attack and the firing of guided munitions at their smokestacks.
On Friday, May 8, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States is waiting for Tehran's response to a war-ending agreement, emphasizing that if no agreement is reached, Washington will pursue alternative measures including the "freedom project" for the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran is currently reviewing the U.S. proposal received through Pakistani mediators and has not yet finalized its response.
The New York Post reports, citing informed sources, that factional rivalries within Iran, especially the growing influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, are complicating diplomatic mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington. Sources indicate that the Guard Corps now holds significant authority to accept or reject any agreement, making it difficult for mediators to achieve a broader consensus due to internal divisions.
In the heart of Tehran, Hamid was shot in the head and killed during protests, followed by Vahid who was also shot and killed while attempting to save his brother.
CNN, citing sources familiar with U.S. intelligence, reported that Mojtaba Khamenei is receiving isolated treatment for severe burns affecting his face, arm, upper torso, and leg. Due to his condition, senior IRGC officials are managing day-to-day affairs alongside Qalibaf.
On Tuesday, May 28, plainclothes and police agents raided the village of Piyan, a suburb of Izeh, using an armored vehicle equipped with a machine gun, resulting in the arrest of seven citizens, including a 15-year-old child, and the injury of three people, including a woman who was shot. The raid also led to the destruction and looting of several shops and vandalism of property, including a photo of Artin Rahmani.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Islamic Republic's control of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable, noting that Tehran has not responded to a U.S. proposal. International discussions on the future of the conflict in the region are ongoing.
Axios reported, citing two informed sources, that Qatar is one of at least three covert communication channels between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, using connections with senior IRGC commanders. The Qatari Prime Minister discussed these efforts with his Pakistani counterpart ahead of a trip to Washington.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bennett announced new sanctions against Iran's drone industry on X, stating, "While the surviving IRGC leaders are trapped like rats on a sinking ship, the Treasury Department continues to act relentlessly in its campaign of economic wrath."
