What They’re Saying About Operation Epic Fury—April 17, 2026
U.S.
President Donald Trump | Truth Social
“THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IS COMPLETELY OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS AND FULL PASSAGE, BUT THE NAVAL BLOCKADE WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IT PERTAINS TO IRAN, ONLY, UNTIL SUCH TIME AS OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE. THIS PROCESS SHOULD GO VERY QUICKLY IN THAT MOST OF THE POINTS ARE ALREADY NEGOTIATED.!”
President Donald Trump | Truth Social
“Iran, with the help of the U.S.A., has removed, or is removing, all sea mines! Thank you!”
President Donald Trump | Truth Social
“IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!”
President Donald Trump | Truth Social
“The U.S.A. will get all Nuclear ‘Dust,’ created by our great B2 Bombers - No money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form. This deal is in no way subject to Lebanon, either, but the USA will, separately, work with Lebanon, and deal with the Hezboolah [sic] situation in an appropriate manner. Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!”
“Since commencement of the blockade, 19 ships have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return to Iran. ZERO vessels have evaded U.S. forces during the blockade.”
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton | X
“Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. President Trump is making sure of that.”
“I support President Trump’s desire to end the conflict with Iran through diplomacy and negotiations. I have every confidence that President Trump will not allow Iran to be enriched by tens of billions of dollars for holding the world hostage and creating mayhem in the region. Any sanctions relief has to be earned by a complete and total acceptance by Iran of President Trump’s reasonable demands which are:
- No interference with the Strait of Hormuz now or in the future.
- Turning over the approximately 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium to the U.S. and other groups, fully removing it from Iran.
- No enrichment, period. If Iran wants a peaceful nuclear power program, they should be offered a 1-2-3 agreement like the UAE. Iran has no right to enrich because of their cheating behavior and their terrorist ways.
- Complete and total cessation of supporting terrorists and terrorist organizations throughout the region.
- Agreement to limit Iran’s missile and drone program.
“Again, these demands are reasonable. They would lead to lasting stability and would warrant some relief. Until they are met, continue the blockade and be ready to go back to the fight. Anything short of this would be infusing cash into the current regime who are just as radical as those who came before them. The only thing that has changed is their names - their goals are the same. No JCPOAs on President Trump’s watch.”
“A government in Iran not run by Islamists who hate America will make our country much safer. That’s why President Trump is doing this.”
ISRAEL
“Iran:
- 28 senior Iranian regime leaders eliminated
- ~10,800 strikes - 8,500+ aircraft sorties
- ~250 air defense systems dismantled
- 60% of launchers neutralized
“Lebanon:
- 1,700+ terrorists eliminated
- 2,500+ aircraft sorties
- 5,000+ terror targets struck
- 14,900+ artillery strikes”
IRAN
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi | X
“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.”
“The accursed Zionist regime named the operation that martyred Sayyid al-Muqawama [Hassan] Nasrallah [secretary-general of Hezbollah] the ‘New Order.’ At that very time, the response was given: ‘The New Order will be forged by the sons of the Resistance.’ Today, the world bears clear witness that the New Order is determined not by America and the Zionist regime, but by the victorious and authoritative discourse of the Resistance. The forces of the Resistance, backed by the people and the free souls of the world in Iran, Lebanon, and beyond, impose their will upon the cowardly enemy, and this is still from the results of the pre-dawn hours. And just as the Supreme Leader of the Revolution stated, they will exact vengeance for the blood of the great leader and all the martyrs.”
Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'’ |X
“What happened in Lebanon was solely and exclusively due to the blessing of the Resistance. The Resistance is the key to victory. America and the declining Zionist regime, when they saw the heroic sacrifices of Hezbollah and Iran's resolute and unwavering stance in support of Lebanon’s Resistance, agreed to a ceasefire. Islamic Iran will never abandon the resilient people of Lebanon.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian | X
“Nuclear weapons for one regime, but war against a nation because of its peaceful nuclear program? Scientists in Iran, Iraq, and Syria are assassinated, children in Minab are killed—has human conscience vanished from some of the world's leaders?”
EUROPE
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer | X
“It’s good news that the Strait of Hormuz has now reopened. This must be a long lasting and workable solution, without tolls or restrictions on routes. Today we announced our joint plan with France and other international partners to protect freedom of navigation. We need to see a return to peace and stability, and a permanent ceasefire.”
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas| X
“Under international law, transit through waterways like the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and free of charge. This is what leaders made clear in their call on reopening the Strait today. Any pay-for-passage scheme will set a dangerous precedent for global maritime routes. Iran has to abandon any plan to levy transit fees. Europe will play its part in restoring the free flow of energy and trade, once a ceasefire takes hold. The EU’s Aspides naval mission is already operating in the Red Sea and can be quickly strengthened to protect shipping across the region. This could be the fastest way to provide support.”
European Council President Ursula von der Leyen | X
“Restoring full and permanent freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is an urgent, shared priority. At the VTC convened by @EmmanuelMacron and @Keir_Starmer, I stressed the EU’s role:
• Share satellite data via @EMSA_EU
• Reinforce Operation Aspides
• Work closely with Middle East and Gulf partners to strengthen our partnerships.
“Including on connectivity, which can take the stress out of the Strait.”
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