Reactions and statements from the international community
Israel's Channel 11 television reported that the United States has delivered a draft memorandum of understanding directly to Mojtaba Khamenei, the Islamic Republic's deputy leader, according to a report by Iran International correspondent Ashkan Safaei.
Gholamhossein Mohseni Eje'i, head of the Iranian judiciary, stated that those responsible for "all kinds of war crimes" during the recent conflict must face legal consequences and pay compensation for damages inflicted on Iran.
The spokesperson for the Central Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters announced on Friday that due to "U.S. bad faith" and the continuation of the maritime blockade, control of the Strait of Hormuz has reverted to strict management by the Iranian armed forces.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that if no agreement is reached by Wednesday, the current ceasefire will not be extended, warning that the U.S. naval blockade of Iran's ports will continue and that air strikes may resume.
On April 18, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump stated during a speech in Phoenix, Arizona, that no money will be exchanged as part of the ongoing negotiations to end the war in Iran. Trump emphasized that the negotiations must progress quickly and that the U.S. aims to "remove the nuclear dust" from Iran, while Iran has declared it will not transfer its highly enriched uranium.
Gholamhossein Mohseni Eje'i, the Head of the Judiciary in Iran, stated that enemies must pay war reparations and be punished, emphasizing the need to pursue those responsible for war crimes both inside and outside the country. He called for coordinated efforts from the Prosecutor General, Deputy for International Affairs, Secretary of the Human Rights Committee, and the Head of the Bar Association to fulfill these rights.
Supporters and officials of the Islamic Republic, who had claimed victory despite incurring heavy costs and asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz, were shocked by a tweet from Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announcing the reopening and free passage through the strait.
Reza Talae'ini, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense of the Islamic Republic, stated that the Strait of Hormuz is open only in a limited and conditional manner under the current ceasefire and warned that conditions will revert if pressure continues on Lebanon. He also threatened military action if diplomatic efforts are deemed deceptive.
On April 18, 2025, Iran temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, but warned it may close the waterway again if the U.S. continues to blockade Iranian ports. Ship tracking data showed most vessels turned back from Friday afternoon until early Saturday, though the reason remains unclear.
President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that the U.S. may not extend the two-week ceasefire with Iran, which ends on Wednesday, if no agreement is reached. He also indicated that a blockade of Iran's ports will continue and hinted at a "surprise" press conference at the White House on Saturday related to the Iran issue.
On Friday night, U.S. President Donald Trump informed reporters aboard Air Force One that the ongoing ceasefire may end if no agreement is reached by Wednesday, while the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports will continue. Trump also stated that military action could resume if a resolution is not achieved.
President of the United States Donald Trump announced that the President of China expressed satisfaction over the Strait of Hormuz being open or on the verge of reopening. Trump also stated that his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping would be "special and probably historic," expressing eagerness for the meeting and expecting significant achievements.
