Reactions and statements from the international community
In the early hours of Wednesday, April 19, a two-week ceasefire was announced in the Iran-US-Israel conflict, which was greeted positively by European leaders.
The IDF released a statement halting operations against Iran but continuing operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Overnight, the IDF conducted extensive airstrikes on missile sites and launchers in Iran, while simultaneously carrying out ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, denied a report by ISNA that Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had been selected as the head of the Islamic Republic's negotiating delegation with the United States in Pakistan, stating that the selection has not yet been finalized. Tasnim cited an informed source indicating that relevant officials are examining all dimensions and conditions regarding the negotiations.
At 10:56 on Lavan Island, a missile struck near the Lavan refinery, which was previously hit at 10:20 when two refinery tanks exploded, leading to the evacuation of staff in both incidents.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced he will travel to the Persian Gulf on Wednesday to meet with regional leaders and work towards the permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The trip aims to bolster diplomatic efforts to maintain the ceasefire and protect the global economy.
The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States have declared a ceasefire, leading to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This development has elicited reactions in various countries across Asia and Oceania, according to Alireza Mohabbi, a reporter for Iran International.
More than six hours after the United States and the Islamic Republic announced a ceasefire, ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted, according to shipping data. Charlie Brown, a senior advisor at United Against a Nuclear Iran, stated that commercial shipping will not immediately resume without additional guidance from maritime security channels and insurance companies.
On April 9, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the United States will assist in managing the backlog of ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire agreement with Iran, which had blocked the strategic waterway during the conflict.
Kharg Island was the primary focus of attention today until President Trump posted on Truth Social, shifting public attention away from the island.
On the evening of Tuesday and early Wednesday, coinciding with a two-week ceasefire announcement, reports emerged of missile launches, explosions, and air defense activities in multiple provinces including Isfahan, Tehran, Yazd, Kermanshah, Khuzestan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Bushehr, Hormozgan, Fars, and Mazandaran.
In a Truth Social post, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about recent developments, stating that the Islamic Republic no longer wishes to continue the current situation, and announced U.S. plans to assist with ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz and support Iran's reconstruction with necessary equipment and supplies.
Israel announced on Wednesday that it supports U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend bombing of Iran for two weeks, contingent on Tehran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and halting attacks against the United States, Israel, and regional countries. An Israeli airstrike on the city of Sidon in southern Lebanon killed at least eight people and wounded 22 others on the same day.
