Reactions and statements from the international community
Iran has offered to allow vessels to cross the Strait of Hormuz on the Omani side without risk of attack, according to Reuters, in negotiations with the United States that could lead to implementation if an agreement is reached.
CENTCOM announced that since the start of the U.S. maritime blockade, 10 ships have been turned back, with the most recent incident involving a cargo ship flying the Iranian flag that was intercepted by the USS Spruance off Iran's coast near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf called on U.S. President Trump to commit to a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon, crediting Hezbollah and the Axis of Resistance for their efforts. Qalibaf also warned the U.S. to distance itself from Israel, asserting that resistance and Iran are inseparable.
Yesterday, an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel attempted to evade the U.S. blockade after departing Bandar Abbas and exiting the Strait of Hormuz. The USS Spruance (DDG 111) intercepted the vessel, which is now returning to Iran. Since the blockade began on Monday, ten vessels have been redirected and no ships have successfully broken through.
U.S. Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari has introduced Articles of Impeachment against Pete Hegseth, accusing him of violating his oath, endangering U.S. servicemembers, and committing war crimes, including attacks on civilians and a girls' school in Minab, Iran.
Mohsen Rezaei, military advisor to Mojtaba Khamenei, in a televised interview, stated that Iran will target and sink all American aircraft carriers, including the Abraham Lincoln, and implement a naval blockade unless the U.S. meets Iran's 10 negotiation conditions.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to freeze more funds of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other Iranian leadership members, and warned countries and companies buying Iranian oil that they could face secondary sanctions if Iranian money is found in their banking systems.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate voted 52-47 to support President Donald Trump's military campaign against Iran and rejected a Democrat-led resolution to halt the war until Congress authorized it. This vote took place six weeks into the conflict, following a recently established ceasefire, and marked the fourth failed attempt by Democrats to advance such a measure since the start of the war.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has proposed allowing ships to pass freely through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz as part of a potential agreement with the United States to prevent conflict escalation. Reuters reported that it is unclear if Iran will clear mines or permit passage for all ships, including those associated with Israel.
In recent years, Iran has reduced the currency allocated for importing medicine, leading to scarcity and high costs. Despite a U.S. naval blockade that allows for the import and export of food and medicine, Iranian policymakers have further restricted currency allocation for medicine imports, exacerbating price increases and shortages.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bennett announced that Washington has requested regional countries to freeze assets belonging to IRGC leaders and members of Iran's leadership. Bennett also warned that purchasing Iranian oil or holding Iranian funds could result in "secondary sanctions" from the United States.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that the United States has maintained a policy of maximum pressure on the Islamic Republic for over a year, including blocking payments to the Iranian government and targeting the accounts of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Yellen also noted that countries in the Persian Gulf are now more willing to conduct transparent reviews of financial sources held in their banking systems due to Iran's aggressive actions in the region.
