What They’re Saying About Operation Epic Fury—April 21, 2026
U.S.
“To the Iranian leaders, who will soon be in negotiations with my representatives: I would greatly appreciate the release of these women [eight women the Iranian regime is reportedly planning to execute]. I am sure that they will respect the fact that you did so. Please do them no harm! Would be a great start to our negotiations!!!”
President Donald Trump | Press Interview
“I think we’re in a very strong negotiating position to do what other presidents should’ve done . . . we had 47 years with these bloodthirsty people.”
President Donald Trump | Truth Social
“Iran has Violated the Cease Fire numerous times!”
President Donald Trump | Press Interview
“I expect to be bombing because I think that’s a better attitude to go in with—but we’re ready to go.”
President Donald Trump | Press Interview
“Iran can get themselves in a very good footing if they make a deal. They can make themselves into a strong nation again, a wonderful nation again. They have incredible people . . . they have to use reason, and they have to use common sense.”
President Donald Trump | Press Interview
“I have no problem meeting [Iranian regime leaders]. If they want to meet, and we have some very capable people, but I have no problem meeting them. . . . We’re supposed to have the talks. So I would assume at this point nobody’s playing games.”
“Overnight, U.S. forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the stateless sanctioned M/T Tifani without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility. As we have made clear, we will pursue global maritime enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran—anywhere they operate. International waters are not a refuge for sanctioned vessels. The Department of War will continue to deny illicit actors and their vessels freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain.”
“Since the start of the U.S. blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports, U.S. forces have directed 28 vessels to turn around or return to port.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent | Press Release
“The Iranian regime must be held accountable for its extortion of global energy markets and indiscriminate targeting of civilians with missiles and drones. Under President Trump’s leadership, as part of Economic Fury, Treasury will continue to follow the money and target the Iranian regime’s recklessness and those who enable it.”
State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott | Comment to Journalist
“While we acknowledge the efforts of Iraqi Security Forces to respond to terrorist attacks by Iran-aligned militia groups, we continue to emphasize that the Iraqi government’s failure to prevent these attacks while some elements associated with the Iraqi government continue to actively provide political, financial, and operational cover for the militias adversely impacts the U.S.-Iraq relationship. . . . The United States will not tolerate attacks on U.S. interests and expects the Iraqi government to immediately take all measures to dismantle the Iran-aligned militia groups in Iraq.”
Senator Minority Leader Chuck Schumer | X
“Tomorrow, Senate Democrats will force a fifth vote on our War Powers Resolution. Senate Republicans cannot sit on the sidelines while our servicemembers are risking their lives on the frontlines. We will continue putting them on the record until the war ends or until enough of them find the courage to vote with us to end this war.”
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton | X
“Iran doesn’t have a right or reason to enrich uranium. President Trump is ensuring they never will.”
IRAN
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf | X
“Trump, by imposing a siege and violating the ceasefire, seeks to turn this negotiating table—in his own imagination—into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering. We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, and in the past two weeks, we have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield.”
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf | X
"They’ll sell war to make what great again?
[Poll options:]
Inflation (MIGA)
Unaffordability (MUGA)
Oligarchs (MOGA)
Epsteinocracy (MEGA)"
Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei | Remarks in Meeting
“The arrogant enemy launched an existential war against our country with all its might and equipment, but failed to achieve any of its malicious goals and evil objectives. Therefore, this defeated and aggrieved enemy is waiting to strike our country again, and there is a possibility that it will once again commit savage aggression. . . . The US regime’s so-called blockade of Iran’s ports and coasts, as well as its aggression against an Iranian commercial vessel in the waters of the Sea of Oman, constitutes a violation of the ceasefire and an instance of war crime. We will certainly respond to these American acts of mischief.”
Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei | X
“Any action against the Iranian ship will definitely be met with a response.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi | X
“Blockading Iranian ports is an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefire. Striking a commercial vessel and taking its crew hostage is an even greater violation. Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to resist bullying.”
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei | Press Interview
“We never said we were going [to participate in negotiations in Pakistan] and then reneged our commitments—as is the habit of the United States. . . . We have made it clear that if we come to the conclusion that going to Islamabad is in our national interest, we would go there. But for the time being, the decision has not yet been made.”
PAKISTAN
Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar | X
“The situation as it stands at 1930 PST.
“1. Formal response from Iranian side about confirmation of delegation to attend Islamabad Peace Talks is still awaited.
“2. Pakistan as the mediator is in constant touch with Iranians and pursuing the path of diplomacy and dialogue.
“3. Ceasefire ends at 4:50 am PST, 22 April. Decision from Iran to attend the talks before the end of two weeks ceasefire is critical.
“4. Pakistan has made sincere efforts to convince the Iranian leadership to participate in the second round of talks and these efforts continue.”
GULF STATES
Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs | X
“His Excellency the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Multilateral International Affairs, Dr. #Abdulrahman_Al_Raisi, heads the Kingdom’s delegation in the meeting of the League of Arab States Council at the ministerial level in its extraordinary session via video conferencing. During the meeting, discussions took place regarding Iran's illegitimate attacks against Arab countries, the obligations incumbent upon the Islamic Republic of Iran under international law, and the efforts being made to end the crisis currently afflicting the region.”
Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari| X
“Qatar continues to engage diplomatically with all parties, urging de-escalation, a return to negotiations, and a peaceful resolution that ensures stability and security for the region and beyond, while remaining fully prepared to safeguard its people and sovereignty.”
LEBANON
Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi | X
“I participated in an emergency ministerial meeting of the Council of the League of Arab States, held by video conference at the invitation of Kingdom of Bahrain. The meeting focused on Iran’s unlawful attacks against Arab states and the obligations imposed on Iran under international law. We all condemned Iran’s threats to close the Strait of Hormuz and stressed that Tehran must be held responsible for compensating the damage and economic losses caused by these threats. The ministers also rejected and condemned Iran’s continued funding, arming, and mobilizing of militias loyal to it in several Arab countries, in ways that serve its own agenda at the expense of regional stability.”
EUROPE
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas | Remarks to Journalists
“We had just a long but focused meeting of the foreign ministers [of EU member states]. . . . If the fighting resumes tonight, it will come at a very large cost for all, and that is why it is important that the next round of talks happens. . . . On Iran, ministers were clear that freedom of navigation is non-negotiable. Daily U turns, whether the Strait of Hormuz is open or closed, are reckless. Transit through the Strait must remain free of charge. Europe will play its part in restoring the free flow of energy and trade once the conditions allow. Our ASPIDES naval mission is the quickest way to protect shipping in the region, and I have asked ministers to make more assets available. The EU already has sweeping sanctions in place on Iran, but today we also reached the political agreement to widen our sanctions regime to also target those responsible for breaches to freedom of navigation. Iranian drones used against our Gulf partners likely incorporate Russian tech upgrades. We are engaging closely with Gulf partners to limit this, including through possible cooperation on sanctions.”
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