Reactions and statements from the international community
On Thursday, April 16, 2026, President Trump announced that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for trade and passage but that the naval blockade against the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue until a deal with the regime is fully completed.
Masih Alinejad tweeted criticism of ranking dictators, questioning the distinction between Ali Khamenei and Mojtaba Khamenei. Following an interview, Alinejad asked Congressman Jason Crow to investigate relatives of Iranian officials involved in hostage-taking who reside in his district.
The Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the IRGC, criticized Abbas Araghchi's recent tweet about reopening the Strait of Hormuz, calling it "bad and incomplete" and highlighting the need for clearer communication regarding the conditions and mechanisms for ship passage.
Neptune P2P Group, a maritime security firm, is advising ships not to enter the Strait of Hormuz due to vessels being held on specific routes, despite Iran's claims that the strait is open. The firm warns of potential risks such as naval mines outside designated corridors.
In posts on Truth Social, former US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran has agreed not to close the Strait of Hormuz or use it as a weapon and is cooperating with the United States to clear mines in the Persian Gulf.
The cruise ship Celestyal Discovery has reportedly successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz.
Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, criticized the Islamic Republic officials for their "absolute silence" regarding negotiations with the United States following Abbas Araghchi's announcement about the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The agency questioned why the details of the negotiations and recent developments are not transparent to the public if it is in the country's interest to keep them confidential.
Fars and Tasnim news agencies reported that Iran may close the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. naval blockade continues, citing an official close to Iran's Supreme National Security Council. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the naval blockade would persist until a comprehensive agreement is reached, while a senior Iranian official told Reuters that commercial ships, including American ones, can currently pass through the strait freely.
Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, demanded explanations from Islamic Republic officials regarding their silence following Abbas Araghchi's announcement about the liberation of passage in the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent messages from former US President Donald Trump. The agency noted that Iranian society is confused by the lack of clear communication from officials on the matter.
The IDF released a summary of 40 days of operations against Iran, stating that all objectives were achieved, including the elimination of 28 senior commanders, destruction of roughly 250 air defense systems, and taking out 60% of ballistic missile launch platforms. Over 4,600 airstrikes were conducted in Tehran alone, striking more than 4,000 targets.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany announced on Friday that Germany is prepared to participate in a mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. participation described as "desirable." Merz indicated that Germany could contribute to mine detection and clearance operations and stressed the importance of U.S. involvement in the mission.
According to Iranian reports, the Strait of Hormuz is not freely open, and a source close to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf states that any reopening will be subject to three conditions: traffic diversion through Iranian territorial waters via Larak Island, limitation to commercial vessels only with Iranian approval and security tolls, and full coordination and oversight by the IRGC Navy.
