Reactions and statements from the international community
US military tankers involved in operations against Iran violated Spanish airspace closures on December 14, flying over northern Spain after dropping off fighter jets in the Middle East.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Iranian football players are allowed to travel to the United States and participate in the World Cup, but individuals affiliated with the IRGC, including coaches and journalists, are prohibited from entering the country.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth criticizes U.S. allies, stating "the time for free riding is over," and urges them to take more responsibility, particularly regarding the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, during a speech where he emphasized the need for capable and loyal allies.
Hezbollah launched continuous rocket attacks in the northern part of the country in the last hour, ending the ceasefire.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, head of the Islamic Republic's negotiating delegation with U.S. representatives in Islamabad, has resigned after being reprimanded for attempting to include nuclear energy issues in the negotiation agenda.
Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of War, announced that the naval blockade on Iran's ports is intensifying, with another aircraft carrier set to join the operation soon. Hegseth stated that the blockade is now global, with the U.S. Navy seizing two Iranian ships in the Indo-Pacific and asserting control over all movements through the Strait of Hormuz.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz should not be solely America's responsibility, noting that the U.S. has minimal reliance on the strait for energy and possesses ample domestic energy resources.
The leadership situation in the Islamic Republic remains unclear following heavy blows from the United States and Israel, with no public funeral held for deceased Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei two months after his death. Additionally, his son Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public and is reportedly hiding.
According to shipping data, only five vessels, including an Iranian tanker carrying petroleum products, have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, a significant decrease from the average of about 140 daily transits before the start of the US and Israeli war against Iran in late February. The closure or disruption of the Strait has disrupted one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supply, leading to a global energy crisis.
IRGC Ground Forces Commander Mohammad Karami stated that the people, government, and armed forces are united in confronting the enemy, declaring that those who claim to be revolutionaries will demonstrate iron will and obedience to the Supreme Leader.
President Donald Trump of the United States viewed the internal discord among Iranian officials as an impediment to negotiations. In response, Iranian government officials published statements asserting unity and allegiance to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
Ahmad Bashesh Ast Ardastani, a member of Iran's Parliament's National Security Commission, warned that Iran must address the U.S. maritime siege of its ports, threatening potential retaliation if forced to shut down oil wells, which he said would be costly and complex to restart.
