What They're Saying About Operation Epic Fury—April 13, 2026
U.S.
President Donald Trump | Truth Social
“Iran’s Navy is laying at the bottom of the sea, completely obliterated - 158 ships. What we have not hit are their small number of, what they call, ‘fast attack ships,’ because we did not consider them much of a threat. Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea.”
President Donald Trump | Truth Social
“34 Ships went through the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, which is by far the highest number since this foolish closure began.”
President Donald Trump | Comments to Journalists
“We’ve been called by the other side and they would like to make a deal very badly. We’ve been called this morning by the right people, the appropriate people, and they want to work a deal. . . . We agreed to a lot of things, but we did not agree to [Iran not getting a nuclear weapon], but I think they will agree to it.”
President Donald Trump | Comments to Journalists
Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. . . . If they don’t agree, there's no deal. There’ll never be a deal. Iran will not have a nuclear weapon and we’re going to get the dust back—either we’ll get it back from them or we’ll take it.”
President Donald Trump | Comments to Journalists
“Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. We can’t let a country blackmail or extort the world.”
President Donald Trump | Comments to Journalists
“I don’t care if they [the Iranian regime] come back [to negotiate] or not. If they don’t come back, I’m fine.”
Central Command | Press Release
“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10 a.m. ET, in accordance with the President’s proclamation. The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.”
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton | X
“President Trump has been clear on the Strait of Hormuz: either all ships come out or no ships come out. Our blockade will cripple Iran’s economy and China will face the brunt of the pain.”
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton | X
“Iran must turn over their nuclear materials, shut down their nuclear infrastructure, and stop supporting terrorism.”
“I appreciate President Trump’s resolve to end the Iranian conflict peacefully and through diplomacy. However, we have to remember who we’re dealing with in Iran: terrorists, liars and cheaters. If this reporting is accurate, the idea that we would agree to a moratorium on enrichment rather than a ban on enrichment would be a mistake in my view. Would we agree to a moratorium for al Qaeda to enrich? No. The only difference between al Qaeda and the Iranian regime is that one is a Sunni terrorist organization and the other is a Shia terrorist state. They both have the same goal when it comes to the United States, Israel and the civilized world. No enrichment means no enrichment. Over 20 nations have peaceful nuclear power programs without enrichment capability. You can have peaceful nuclear power without enrichment, but you cannot make a bomb without enrichment. Again, no enrichment for Iran. They want a bomb and they cheat.”
ISRAEL
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu | Remarks at Cabinet Meeting
“I spoke yesterday with Vice President JD Vance. He called me from his plane on the way back from Islamabad. He briefed me in detail, as members of this administration do daily, on the progress of the negotiations; in this case, the collapse of the negotiations. The explosion came from the American side, which could not tolerate Iran’s blatant violation of the agreement to enter into negotiations. The agreement was that firing would cease and the Iranians would immediately open the straits. They did not do it. The Americans could not accept that. He also made it clear to me that the central issue on the agenda for President Trump and the US is the removal of all enriched material, and ensuring there is no more enrichment in the coming years, and this could be for decades, no enrichment inside Iran. This is their focus, and of course, it is important to us as well. Since Iran violated the rules, President Trump decided to impose a naval blockade on them. We, of course, support this firm stance, and we are in constant coordination with the US.”
IRAN
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf | X
“Enjoy the current pump figures. With the so-called 'blockade', Soon you'll be nostalgic for $4–$5 gas.”
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf | X
“Honoring Pope Leo’s fearless stand! ‘I have no fear’ echoes as he condemns the war crimes of Israel and the US. This slogan lights the path for all who refuse to stay silent on the killing of innocents. @Pontifex leadership inspires millions – thank you for this light!”
Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’I | X
“In confronting spies, traitorous elements, and the foot soldiers of the invading enemy, our stance remains entirely combative and aligned with the exigencies of the wartime period. In handling the cases of these elements, while observing the letter of the law and the queen of justice, we exercise the utmost decisiveness and speed.”
Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Spokesperson | Remarks
“If the security of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s ports is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf or the Gulf of Oman will be safe. Port security in this region must either be ensured for all countries, or none of the parties will enjoy it.”
Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Spokesperson | Remarks
“The restrictions imposed by criminal America on maritime navigation and transit in international waters are illegal and constitute an example of piracy.”
Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Spokesperson | Remarks
“[The Iranian Armed Forces considers] exercising sovereignty in regional waters [an Iranian national right] . . . This responsibility will be continued with decisiveness by the armed forces, and vessels affiliated with the enemy are not permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Other vessels will have the possibility of passing through this gateway, provided they comply with established regulations. . . . [The Islamic Republic has decided to] establish a permanent mechanism for the control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Defense Ministry Spokesperson Gen. Reza Talaei-Nik | Comments to Press TV
“Any military intervention by foreign powers in the security of the Strait of Hormuz would escalate the crisis and instability in global energy security.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi | X
“In intensive talks at highest level in 47 years, Iran engaged with U.S in good faith to end war. But when just inches away from ‘Islamabad MoU’, we encountered maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade. Zero lessons earned. Good will begets good will. Enmity begets enmity.
Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam | X
“The Islamabad Talks is ‘not an event but a process.’ The Islamabad Talks laid the foundation for a diplomatic process that, if trust and will are strengthened, can create a sustainable framework for the interests of all parties.”
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei | X
“Can an illegal ‘war of choice’ be won through a ‘revenge of choice’ against the global economy?! Is it ever worthwhile to cut off one’s nose to spite one’s face?!”
PAKISTAN
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif | Remarks at Cabinet Meeting
“The ceasefire is still holding and, as I speak, full efforts are underway to resolve the outstanding issues.”
EUROPE
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer | X
“We’re not supporting the blockade . . . It is, in my view, vital that we get the Strait open and fully open, and that’s where we've put all of our efforts in the last few weeks and we’ll continue to do so. . . . [The UK will not join the war without a] clear lawful basis [and a] clear thought-through plan . . . My decision has been very clearly that whatever the pressure, and there’s been some considerable pressure, we’re not getting dragged into the war.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer | X
“The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is deeply damaging. Getting global shipping moving is vital to ease cost of living pressures. The UK has convened more than 40 nations who share our aim to restore freedom of navigation. This week the UK and France will co-host a summit to advance work on a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard international shipping when the conflict ends.”
French President Emmanuel Macron | X
“No effort must be spared to swiftly reach, through diplomatic means, a strong and lasting settlement to the conflict in the Middle East. . . . France stands ready to play its full part, as it has consistently sought to do since the very first day of the conflict. As regards the Strait of Hormuz, in the coming days, together with the United Kingdom, we will organize a conference with those countries prepared to contribute alongside us to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait. This strictly defensive mission, separate from the warring parties to the conflict, is intended to be deployed as soon as circumstances permit.”
“The war in the Middle East has caused immense instability and cost far too many lives. It is no longer regional or simply about the security in the region. Its effects ripple worldwide. . . . Russia is also supporting Iran with intelligence and drones. Prolonging the war benefits Russia through higher energy prices, depleted air defence arsenals and diverted attention. . . . What is happening today in the Strait of Hormuz is the clearest call yet for a strong international coalition on maritime security. There are many initiatives on the table, but the objectives are simple: safe passage for all shipments via this route. Let me be clear, the EU will continue to reject any arrangement that rules to limit free and safe passage though the straits, in accordance with international law. I have just returned from a visit to the Middle East. It is clear that a fragile truce hangs in the balance, but it offers a much-needed opportunity to negotiate. The European Union will continue to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to prevent the region from sliding into further chaos. We commend Pakistan for the facilitation of the talks and encourage parties to continue.”
Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles | Statement
“[The blockade] makes no sense . . . It’s one more episode in this whole downward spiral into which we’ve been dragged.”
EAST ASIA
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi | Comments to Pakistani Foreign Minister
“[The China-Pakistan peace plan] still can serve as a direction for efforts towards a resolution [of the Iran war] . . . The immediate priority is to make every effort toward preventing the resumption of hostilities and to maintain the hard-won ceasefire momentum.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Guo Jiakun | Statement
“The Strait of Hormuz is an important international trade route for goods and energy, and maintaining its security, stability, and unimpeded flow is in the common interest of the international community.”
SOUTHEAST ASIA
Foreign Ministers of Member States of Association of Southeast Asian Nations | Statement
“We . . . welcome the two-week ceasefire . . . We urge the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran to continue negotiations that will lead to the permanent end of the conflict and lasting peace and stability in the region. . . . We call for the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire, aimed at preventing further suffering and loss of lives, ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation and overflight . . . minimizing disruption to the flow of energy and essential goods, and mitigating its adverse impact on global economic stability.”
TURKEY
Turkish Foreign Minister Haqan Fidan | Comments to Anadolu Agency
“Fidan told Anadolu news agency that ‘initial positions are always somewhat maximalist. Later, the parties try to find common ground with the support of mediators. As long as they have the intention to reach, maintain, and permanently achieve a ceasefire. What I see is that both sides are sincere about the ceasefire.’ Fidan said he thinks the Iranians will evaluate the U.S. proposal and give their response in the coming days. He said an extension of 45-60 days of ceasefire could be considered to allow negotiations to continue. ‘If the nuclear issue becomes an ‘all or nothing’ situation, especially regarding enrichment, I think we may encounter a serious obstacle. We will try to overcome this with the support of some mediators and other countries,’ he said.”
UNITED NATIONS
Secretary-General António Guterres | X
“After weeks of destruction & distress, it is clear that there is no military solution to the current conflict in the Middle East. I call for resumption of talks for an agreement to be reached. The ceasfire [sic] must absolutely be preserved. All violations must cease. All parties to the conflict must respect the freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law.”
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