Reactions and statements from the international community
Security forces in Tehran were observed changing uniforms to avoid detection by Israeli airstrikes aimed at their positions.
President Donald Trump of the United States criticized Washington's allies on Truth Social for their approach to securing the Strait of Hormuz, calling for these countries to take responsibility and labeling critics as "fools." He also threatened that Iran, deemed the "number one state sponsor of terrorism," would be swiftly removed from the scene.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that after U.S. military operations have weakened the Islamic Republic's military capabilities, achieving a political agreement is necessary to address issues such as Iran's nuclear program and missile threats.
The Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, criticized Iranian football striker Sardar Azmoun for posting images of his meeting with Dubai's rulers on his Instagram. As a result, Azmoun deleted all such images from his account.
Israeli airstrikes in Tehran overnight reportedly targeted Iran’s Intelligence Minister Ismail Khatib at his home; his current status is unknown. Khatib has led the Ministry of Intelligence since 2021 and is linked to operations against domestic opposition and Israeli/Western interests.
An Israeli official announced that the Israeli army conducted a nighttime airstrike in Tehran targeting Ismail Khatib, the Minister of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic of Iran. No details regarding Khatib's fate have been released by official sources.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in an interview with Al Jazeera on March 17, stated that Tehran does not support a ceasefire and aims to end the war on all fronts. Since U.S. and Israeli attacks began on March 8, over 40 senior Iranian officials and commanders have been killed, including Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Republic.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has only superficial injuries and is in control of the situation. Araghchi also responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's comments, asserting that the Islamic Republic's leadership remains intact with a functioning president and foreign minister.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Russia is providing Iran with satellite imagery, advanced drone technology, and operational guidance from Ukraine to aid Iran in targeting US forces in the Middle East. This assistance includes components for modified Shahed drones and strategic advice based on Russia's experience in Ukraine.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran does not seek a ceasefire but aims to end the war completely on all fronts, including in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Iran, to achieve lasting peace in the region.
The U.S. released a new video showing airstrikes against Iran and announced that its pilots have conducted 6000 combat sorties against the Islamic regime in the country.
The U.S. Central Command announced that U.S. forces targeted fortified missile positions of the Islamic Republic along Iran's coastlines and near the Strait of Hormuz, using several 5,000-pound bunker-busting bombs to neutralize anti-ship cruise missiles threatening international shipping.
