Reactions and statements from the international community
Ukrainian FP1 drones launched salvos of missiles at Russian military positions in the Black Sea fleet in Crimea, as shown in video footage, while suppressing incoming fire.
Iranian media reports that former U.S. President Trump's conditions for a deal include no compensation, transfer of enriched uranium to the U.S., operation of only one nuclear facility, release of less than 25% of frozen assets, and tying a ceasefire to negotiations. In response, Iran demands an immediate full ceasefire, lifting of all sanctions, release of all frozen funds, payment of war damages, and recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
On May 16, 2025, U.S. President Trump signaled potential military action against Iran by posting an image on Truth Social showing U.S. and Iranian warships, amid stalled diplomatic talks over Tehran's nuclear stockpile and sanctions relief. Talks remain deadlocked as both sides present non-negotiable conditions, with Iran demanding war reparations and the release of frozen assets, while the U.S. insists on transferring Iran's enriched uranium out of the country and rejecting compensation demands.
During a weapon use training program broadcast on Iranian state television, the flag of the United Arab Emirates was displayed as a target and shots were fired toward it, signaling a provocative political message and escalating tensions between the two countries.
The US has rejected Iran's counter peace proposal and stated it will not cease military operations unless Iran relinquishes all enriched uranium and opens the Strait of Hormuz, according to new Iranian leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
Mohammad Saleh Jowkar, head of the Parliament's Internal Affairs Commission, stated that the Islamic Republic has not participated in the second round of negotiations with the United States in Pakistan, emphasizing Khamenei's ten conditions as non-negotiable, which include controlled passage through the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. troop withdrawal from regional bases, lifting sanctions, and recognition of Iran's right to enrichment.
Parvathaneni Harish, India's representative to the United Nations, warned at a special session of the UN Economic and Social Council that targeting commercial ships and disrupting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable, emphasizing the need for international laws to be fully observed and immediate actions to address the crisis. The Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20 percent of the world's consumed oil and 35 percent of global agricultural fertilizer trade, has faced serious disruptions since March 29 due to actions by the Islamic Republic regime and attacks on dozens of ships.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has launched a new system called "Hormuz Safe" to offer insurance services for maritime cargoes passing through the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to increase its presence in the regional marine insurance and transportation market.
Goldie Ghamari joined the Iranian-Canadian community in Montreal today to support the fight for freedom and democracy in Iran against the Islamic Regime.
The British government has deployed the APKWS system, a low-cost anti-drone weapon mounted on Typhoon fighter jets with laser-guided capabilities, in the Middle East to protect British citizens and regional partners from drone attacks. The British Ministry of Defence accelerated the system's move from testing to deployment within a few months to enhance security against such threats.
USAF C-17 transport aircraft are continuing a pattern observed before the start of military operations against Iran on February 28, shuttling between European and Middle Eastern locations.
The Trump administration did not renew the sanctions waiver that had allowed countries to purchase Russian seaborne oil, which was issued following the U.S. and Israel's war with the Islamic Republic and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The waiver, set to expire on Saturday, had previously been extended for one month but was not renewed as stated by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
