Reactions and statements from the international community
Israeli Minister Ofir Sofer stated that turning residents of frontline communities into hostages of Hezbollah would signify a failure in Israel's mission, in response to reports of a potential ceasefire with the militant group.
IEA chief Fatih Birol stated that Europe has approximately six weeks of jet fuel remaining, warning that supply disruptions due to the Iran conflict and blockages in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to flight cancellations, describing it as "the largest energy crisis we have ever faced."
Hossein Aghaei, a member of the editorial board of Iran International, stated that the United States must maintain a naval blockade for several months to achieve the complete surrender of the Islamic Republic.
The Israeli Air Force conducted an airstrike in Gaza City two days ago, eliminating Ahmad Abu Khatzira, a commander in Hamas's communications unit who was involved in planning attacks against IDF forces.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in a meeting with the British Minister of State for the Middle East, stated that a ceasefire demanded by Lebanon from Israel would serve as a "natural entry point for direct negotiations," emphasizing the need for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory to ensure the ceasefire and the deployment of the Lebanese army to the international borders.
A senior Lebanese security official told Reuters that an Israeli attack has severed the last communication link between southern Lebanon and other regions by destroying the Qasmiyeh Bridge, which has been completely demolished and cannot be repaired.
On April 16, 2023, Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett introduced an impeachment resolution against U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the House of Representatives, accusing him of initiating war against Iran without congressional authorization and committing war crimes, including attacks on civilians and a girls' school in Minab, Iran.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Britain and France are drafting a plan for maritime patrols in the Strait of Hormuz without U.S. involvement, potentially increasing rifts among Western allies.
Mohammad Hassan Ghadiri Abianeh, former ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Australia, stated that Arab countries should redirect the money given to former U.S. President Trump to Iran instead, and declared that Iran will not allow enemy ships through the Strait of Hormuz until compensation is paid, while also asserting that Iran will continue retaliatory actions without accepting a ceasefire.
Omar Ali Pouraghdam, a member of Iran's Parliament Health Commission, stated that the country considers the United States and Israel insignificant and values them not at all. He added that Iran is ready for peace if the U.S. and Israel pay reparations, recognize Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, accept Iran's enrichment rights, and cease aggression against Iran and its allies.
Mohsen Rezaei, adviser to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and former IRGC commander, threatened to sink all U.S. ships in the Strait of Hormuz and warned against approaching the area, stating "We will not concede on our 10 conditions under naval pressure" and opposing the continuation of a ceasefire.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced intensified economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, describing them as "the financial equivalent of a bombing campaign." He warned that countries and companies engaging in oil purchases from or holding financial assets of the Iranian regime will face severe secondary sanctions.
