What They’re Saying About the Iran War—May 29, 2026
U.S.
President Donald Trump | Truth Social
“Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb. The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic, in both directions. All water mines (bombs), if any, will be terminated (we have removed, through detonation, numerous such mines with our great underwater mine sweepers. Iran will complete the immediate removal and/or detonation of any mines that are left, which will not be many!). Ships caught in the Strait due to our amazing and unprecedented Naval Blockade, which will now be lifted, may start the process of ‘heading home!’ . . . The enriched material, sometimes referred to as ‘Nuclear Dust,’ which is buried deep underground with virtually collapsed mountains, caused by our powerful B2 Bomber attack 11 months ago, sitting on top of it, will be unearthed by the United States (which, it is agreed, is the only Country, along with China, with the mechanical capability of doing so!), in close coordination and conjunction with the Islamic Republic of Iran, plus the International Atomic Energy Agency, and DESTROYED. No money will be exchanged, until further notice. Other items, of far less importance, have been agreed to. I will be meeting now, in the Situation Room, to make a final determination.”
President Donald Trump | Press Interview
“A deal that wasn’t going to be good for us is the line. I negotiate. They negotiate. They’re very good negotiators.”
Vice President JD Vance | Comments to Journalists
“We're going back and forth on a couple of language points. We've made a lot of progress here. Hopefully, we'll continue to make progress and the president will be in a position where he can endorse the agreement, but obviously that’s still TBD. I can’t guarantee that we’re going to get there . . . but right now I feel pretty good about it.”
State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott | Press Release
“The Department of State is sanctioning numerous entities, individuals, and vessels that form the backbone of Iran’s illicit oil economy, directly targeting the financial lifelines of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran’s military apparatus. As part of this action, State is designating eight entities and identifying eight vessels as blocked property for their transportation of Iranian petroleum, or petrochemical products, and also designating three entities and an individual in connection with trade in Iranian-origin petrochemical products.”
“U.S. forces continue to enforce the blockade against Iran. As of May 29, 115 commercial vessels have been redirected to ensure no commerce enters or leaves Iranian ports.”
IRAN
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf | X
“1- We seize concessions not through dialogue, but with missiles; in negotiations, we merely make them understand.
“2- We have no trust in guarantees or words—only actions are the measure. No action will be taken before the other side acts.
“3- The winner of any agreement is the one who is better prepared for war from the day after.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian | Comments to Journalists
“We do not engage in diplomacy with humiliation. If we stand against the strongest power in the world, we must accept the hardships; we cannot fight and expect the process to be as normal as before.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian | X
“In my conversations with the Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Pakistan to congratulate them on Eid al-Adha, while emphasizing Iran's commitment to diplomacy, I thanked Malaysia for its humanitarian stance and Pakistan for its initiative and effective efforts to reach an agreement. Iran's policy is to expand cooperation with Muslim and neighboring countries in all fields.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi | X
“In very productive call with FM @badralbusaidi, expressed Iran’s solidarity with Oman in face of any threat. We discussed Hormuz and its future administration in line with our sovereign responsibilities and international law. We welcome consultation with all neighboring states.”
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei | Statement
“Threatening an independent member state of the United Nations [Oman]—which has consistently played a constructive, effective, and responsible role in promoting peace and security in the region, and which for years has been a trusted intermediary in diplomatic processes, devoting significant efforts to serving regional peace and stability—not only violates the fundamental principle prohibiting the threat or use of force, but is also another dangerous sign of the normalization of lawlessness and bullying in international relations.”
GULF STATES
“During the open debate of the Security Council on upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, His Excellency Ambassador Abushabab affirmed that sustainable stability and prosperity are not achieved through confrontational approaches or ideological extremism, but rather through dialogue and de-escalation. He pointed out that the United Arab Emirates has faced, over the past three months, illegitimate Iranian attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and threatening freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. His Excellency emphasized that the credibility of the international system is tied to the extent to which the international community commits to enforcing its rules when they are violated, affirming that the Security Council bears a pivotal responsibility in safeguarding and protecting these principles.”
EAST ASIA
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian | X
“Chinese FM Wang Yi met with Pakistani Deputy PM and FM Mohammad Ishaq Dar in New York. China-Pakistan friendly cooperation is all-round, all-weather and across all fields. The two countries always trust, unite and support each other at the bilateral, regional and international levels. Pakistan has actively mediated in the US-Iran negotiations and is a trustworthy and qualified mediator. China will continue to support Pakistan’s peace efforts, jointly promote dialogue and negotiation among all parties, push for a comprehensive ceasefire, so as to restore peace and stability in the Middle East and Gulf region as soon as possible.”
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