Reactions and statements from the international community
Hezbollah is continuing to launch rockets and drones at Israel without seeking a ceasefire, according to open-source intelligence reports.
Richard Meade, managing editor of Lloyd's List, stated in an interview with Radio Times that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz are informally charged approximately $100 per barrel by the Islamic Republic, with payments made in cryptocurrency or yuan and transferred to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Most ships have halted movements due to security concerns, but those from countries with diplomatic agreements with Tehran, such as India, Pakistan, and Malaysia, are exempt from these fees.
Ukrainians expressed skepticism and criticism towards Russian President Putin's announcement of an Easter ceasefire, stating it was meaningless. The reaction comes as Putin declared a temporary halt to military actions during Easter.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Thursday after speaking with former U.S. President Donald Trump that they are forming a coalition to address political, diplomatic, military, and logistical issues related to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. During his Middle East trip, Starmer emphasized the importance of an operational plan to ensure safe passage through the strategic waterway.
Ahmad Alamolhoda, the Friday prayer leader of Mashhad, stated that the Leader of the Revolution permitted the Supreme National Security Council to accept a ceasefire while warning fighters that the ceasefire is a deception and the enemy will continue the war. The Supreme National Security Council declared the acceptance of the ceasefire to counter an American plot, which Alamolhoda asserts is a lie and that the enemy will not honor it.
Mahmoud Nabavian, Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, stated that Mojtaba Khamenei has conditioned that Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf must lead negotiations. Nabavian also mentioned that their conditions were relayed to Pakistan, who informed them that former U.S. President Trump has accepted Iran's terms, and that the ceasefire and negotiations are decisions of the Islamic Republic's leadership, bound by a fatwa against nuclear weapons.
During a visit inside Lebanon, IDF Chief of Staff Zamir stated, "We are not in a ceasefire, the IDF is in a state of war. Iran is much weaker, and Hezbollah understands it is isolated."
A Tehran resident communicated to Radio Farda about the fears and hopes circulating in the capital on the first day of the ceasefire, mentioning hardships such as internet shutdowns, executions, and economic fears, but expressing lingering hope for the future.
Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic, told Al Jazeera that "technical restrictions" in the Strait of Hormuz include mine-laying and other measures implemented during periods of conflict, and that vessels must coordinate with Iranian forces to pass through the strait.
Kuwait accused Iran of continuing drone attacks despite a ceasefire, with Tehran blaming the United States and Israel for the tensions. A Hezbollah rocket strike on a house in Misgav Am caused damage but resulted in no injuries.
European officials have deemed it essential to reach an immediate solution for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that the crisis must be resolved through diplomatic efforts.
Lebanon is attempting to link potential talks with Israel to a temporary ceasefire, while anti-Hezbollah factions advocate for negotiations to continue even amid ongoing hostilities, according to a Lebanese political source who spoke to Kan. The source noted that proceeding with talks despite the conflict could weaken Iran's influence and undermine Hezbollah's position.
