Reactions and statements from the international community
Iranian officials have informed CNN that vessels paying for passage through the Strait of Hormuz will receive priority over those that do not pay.
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack stated at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum that the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is fragile, with all conflicting parties being "equally untrustworthy."
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham stated that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is effectively in control of Iran's actions, as evidenced by recent conflicting declarations regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Graham expressed confidence that President Trump would address the situation through diplomatic or military means, aiming to secure control of the Strait, remove highly enriched uranium from Iran, limit Iran's missile and drone programs, and end support for terrorist organizations.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims to have closed the Strait of Hormuz, stating that no ship of any type or nationality is permitted to pass through it. This move presents an unprecedented threat to global shipping and could escalate regional tensions.
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump convened a special meeting in the White House Situation Room to review tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing negotiations with Iran, with a senior U.S. official stating that military action could resume if talks fail.
The IRGC Navy announced on Saturday that it would close the Strait of Hormuz from the afternoon of the same day, prohibiting vessels from approaching the waterway due to the U.S. "violation of the ceasefire" and the ongoing maritime blockade of Iranian vessels and ports. The statement warns that any vessel attempting to move through the strait will be considered collaborating with the enemy and could be targeted.
Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem stated that resistance fighters will stay deployed and respond to any enemy violations, despite reports suggesting a ceasefire is proceeding well.
Ibrahim Azizi, head of the Parliament's National Security Commission in Iran, responded on X to Donald Trump's statements, calling them lies and fabrications. Trump had earlier warned that the U.S. would obtain Iran's high-enrichment uranium reserves by any means necessary if negotiations fail.
Influential American Senator Lindsey Graham has called for a decisive response from the United States and the international community following the IRGC's attack on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Mehdi Mahdavi-Azadi stated on the "Chorasm" program that the Supreme National Security Council's强硬立场“不妥协或撤退”可能是伊朗革命卫队决定在美加大压力建议下防止霍尔木兹海峡重新开放的信号。为了符合规则要求，重新用英文简洁表达： Mehdi Mahdavi-Azadi said on the "Chorasm" program that the Supreme National Security Council's强硬立场表明，伊朗革命卫队可能决定在美加大压力建议下防止霍尔木兹海峡重新开放。 修正为： Mehdi Mahdavi-Azadi stated on the "Chorasm" program that the Supreme National Security Council's tough stance of "no compromise or retreat" indicates the IRGC's decision to prevent the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in response to increased U.S. pressure.
India summoned its Iranian ambassador today after two Indian oil ships were targeted by IRGC naval gunfire while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz.
IRGC gunboats fired on a tanker, and a second commercial vessel was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz this morning, as Iran attempts to close the waterway.
