Reports related to demonstrations and public protests
On May 17, U.S. forces redirected 81 commercial vessels and disabled 4 others in the Arabian Sea as part of the U.S. blockade against Iran, enforced by the USS Tripoli (LHA 7) and the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced that mosques will be used as centers to promote a culture of austerity and to reform lifestyles across the country.
Leaked US demands for Iran include transferring 400 kg of enriched uranium to the United States, limiting only one nuclear facility to be active, refusing to release any of Iran’s front companies, and rejecting compensation for damages. Iran has rejected these demands and insists on US recognition of the Strait of Hormuz.
Fars and Tasnim, news agencies affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, report that Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Parliament, has been appointed as "Iran's Special Representative for Chinese Affairs" following a proposal by the President and confirmation by the Leader.
Fars news agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, has been appointed as the Islamic Republic's special representative for China, succeeding Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli.
Rick Scott, an American Republican senator, told Fox News that the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to seek killing Americans, rebuilding its weapons arsenal, and destroying Israel, despite recent conflicts. He also noted Iran's support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, and praised former President Trump's approach toward Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.
A participant in a protest gathering of Iranians in San Francisco told Iran International reporter Niloufar Mansouri that all Iranians are heroes and expressed continued support until the Islamic Republic is overthrown and political prisoners are freed, emphasizing global solidarity with the movement.
Iran's First Vice President stated on October 15, 2025, that Iran will no longer permit enemy military equipment to transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Israeli security officials have assessed that Mujtaba Khamenei leads the faction opposing concessions in negotiations and is preparing for renewed hostilities in Iran.
Thousands of Iranian supporters of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi have joined hundreds of thousands of protesters in central London for the "Unite the Kingdom" march, demonstrating against mass immigration, Islamism, and attacks on freedom of speech.
Arabiya reported, citing sources, that Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsen Naqvi traveled to Iran to negotiate an agreement, with positive progress made on issues related to the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear matters.
On May 16, a U.S. Army helicopter observed and monitored commercial ships flying over waters near the Strait of Hormuz as part of the U.S. enforcement of the maritime blockade against Iran. As of that date, 78 commercial ships were redirected, and 4 were disabled to ensure compliance.
