Reactions and statements from the international community
A ground-launched cruise missile struck the cargo ship "CGM Saint Anthony," owned by a French company and near Dubai in the Persian Gulf, late Tuesday evening, injuring several Filipino crew members, according to CBS News citing two U.S. officials.
President Trump ordered a temporary halt to Operation "Freedom" in the Strait of Hormuz, suspending escort operations for ships while continuing a naval blockade, in response to requests from Pakistan and other countries and to allow for ongoing negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
President Donald J. Trump announced that based on requests from Pakistan and other countries, and in light of military successes against Iran and progress toward a final agreement, the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz under Project Freedom will be paused temporarily while the blockade remains in place.
Two U.S. officials told CBS News that the cargo ship "CGM Saint Anthony," near the Persian Gulf region, was targeted by a suspected ground-launched cruise missile attack, resulting in injuries to several Filipino crew members. The British Maritime Trade Operations center reported receiving a notice of an unidentified "projectile" striking a cargo ship, with multiple incidents including fires and small boat attacks on vessels in the region since Sunday.
President Donald Trump of the United States announced on Truth Social that "Operation Freedom" will be temporarily suspended in response to requests from Pakistan and other countries, following significant military successes against Iran and progress towards a final agreement.
President Pezeshkian requested a meeting with the Supreme Leader yesterday, asking him to instruct the IRGC to halt renewed attacks on Gulf countries and to notify mediators about the renewal of negotiations for an agreement. IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi, who reports directly to the Supreme Leader, holds significant influence over military and economic affairs in Iran.
Mohsen Rezaei, the military advisor to Mojtaba Khamenei, posted on X that the President of the United States, the Secretary of War, and the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army share a common trait of presenting their fantasies as achievements.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the implementation of "Project Freedom," aimed at rescuing 23,000 civilians in the Persian Gulf and reducing the Iranian regime's revenue through a naval blockade.
Morad Vaisi, a senior analyst at Iran International, stated that the IRGC's missile and drone attacks on the UAE are ongoing, and there are heightened expectations for a U.S. response to these attacks.
The U.S. Secretary of State announced that as part of the "Strait of Hormuz Freedom Project," all ships will be escorted through the strait, emphasizing a defensive posture and the use of "lethal force" in response to any attack on American forces.
During a White House press briefing, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz poses a significant threat, likening it to holding all ships hostage. He warned that if Iran acquires nuclear weapons, it would pose an even greater risk to global security.
MT CS Anthem, a U.S.-flagged medium-range tanker operated by Crowley Stena Marine Solutions, was identified as part of the second convoy escorted through the Strait of Hormuz on May 4 as part of Project Freedom. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) observed the convoy and did not attack.
