Reactions and statements from the international community
The United States and Israel have initiated and are continuing attacks aimed at eliminating leaders of the Islamic Republic and bringing about regime change in Iran, according to Reuters.
Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, told the BBC World Service that he could not confirm any information regarding the health status of Ali Khamenei. Baghaei also stated that Iran is defending against "unprovoked and unjustified aggressive action" by Israel.
Reuters, citing a European Union Maritime Mission official, reported that ships passing through the Persian Gulf received radio messages from Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps stating that no ships have permission to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This message was transmitted via VHF marine radio on Saturday, March 1, 2025, though Iran has not officially confirmed this directive.
Media outlets affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that IRGC forces have been issuing repeated high-frequency messages to ships transiting the Sea of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, warning them not to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
A European Union maritime mission official reported that ships passing through the Persian Gulf received a radio message from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps prohibiting any ships from passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The messages were transmitted via marine radio.
Iranian citizens in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, have released a video showing the launch of a missile by the IRGC, which was intercepted and its debris landed in areas around the city.
A social media post claims that Arab Gulf states will eventually unite in support of regime change in Iran, suggesting regional pressure will mount against the current Iranian government.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it targeted the U.S. combat support ship MST with ground-to-sea missiles. The MST is a non-combat vessel that provides logistical support to the U.S. combat fleet, including refueling, ammunition transport, and supply delivery.
The Israeli army's official page on X published images showing IRGC forces preparing a launcher for missile firing in western Iran, which was subsequently targeted.
The IRGC Intelligence Organization and the Basij Organization announced the establishment of checkpoints across Iranian cities and roads, stating that these checkpoints will increase in number after sunset and conduct vehicle-by-vehicle inspections on the country's roads.
Ebrahim Jabbari, an advisor to the Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, threatened Donald Trump in a speech, stating that Iran has been prepared for war for years and will deploy all its stockpiled weapons at the onset of conflict, adding they will use preserved strategic assets during the war.
Videos have been published showing a bunker-buster bomb striking Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's residence in Tehran.
