Reactions and statements from the international community
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that as part of "Operation Liberty," two U.S.-flagged commercial vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz.
On May 4th, the Islamic Republic's army issued a statement claiming it had warned U.S. Navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz area with radio warnings and firing warning shots after the U.S. vessels turned off their radars in the Sea of Oman. The statement added that Iran's navy later fired cruise missiles, rockets, and combat drones near the U.S. ships due to their continued disregard of the initial warnings.
On December 15, 2025, the U.S. military conducted a significant operation around the Strait of Hormuz to ensure freedom of navigation. This development could rapidly escalate tensions in the region.
Scott Bennett announced that the United States is working to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted by attacks from the Islamic Republic regime, and called on China to join the United States in this international operation.
The U.S. Air Force has deployed a significant number of refueling aircraft and fighter jets around the Strait of Hormuz, in response to escalating tensions in the region.
Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the UAE president, described Iran's actions as "ongoing aggression" and "acts of piracy" on X, following Abu Dhabi's accusation that Iran targeted an Emirati tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bennett told Fox News that the United States has full control of the Strait of Hormuz and will only respond with force if attacked first, emphasizing that it is an opportune time for international partners to increase pressure on the Islamic Republic.
On Monday, May 4, 2025, the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers, after transiting the Strait of Hormuz, began operating in the Persian Gulf as part of "Operation Liberty," aimed at ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels. CENTCOM reported that two U.S.-flagged commercial vessels had successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran's IRGC Navy earlier threatened to prohibit such passages without permission.
In an interview with Fox News, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the United States will take full control of the Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe passage for ships, amid escalating U.S. actions against threats from the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Reports indicate that the Islamic Republic regime has expanded its maritime blockade to include the ports of Khor Fakkan and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, threatening ships departing from these ports toward the Gulf of Oman. This development comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and the Islamic Republic.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement warning U.S. destroyers in the Sea of Oman, alleging that necessary warnings were given to American ships that turned off their radars while approaching the Strait of Hormuz, amid rising maritime tensions in the region.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced support for President Trump's plan to ensure the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. He also emphasized Germany's commitment to protecting the Jewish community, stating that "Jewish life is part of Germany, and any attack on it is an attack on our society and democracy."
