What They’re Saying About Operation Epic Fury—April 22, 2026
U.S.
“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minster Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal. I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”
President Donald Trump | Press Interview
“We caught a ship yesterday that had some things on it, which wasn’t very nice. A gift from China perhaps, I don’t know, but I was a little surprised, because I have a very good relationship and I thought I had an understanding with President Xi. But that’s all right. That’s the way war goes, right?”
President Donald Trump | Truth Social
“Very good news! I have just been informed that the eight women protestors who were going to be executed tonight in Iran will no longer be killed. Four will be released immediately, and four will be sentenced to one month in prison. I very much appreciate that Iran, and its leaders, respected my request, as President of the United States, and terminated the planned execution.”
President Donald Trump | Truth Social
“Iran is collapsing financially! They want the Strait of Hormuz opened immediately- Starving for cash! Losing 500 Million Dollars a day. Military and Police complaining that they are not getting paid. SOS!!!”
“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 | X
“As @POTUS has made clear, the United States Navy will continue the blockade of Iranian ports. In a matter of days, Kharg Island storage will be full and the fragile Iranian oil wells will be shut in. Constraining Iran’s maritime trade directly targets the regime’s primary revenue lifelines. The @USTreasury will continue to apply maximum pressure through Economic Fury to systematically degrade Tehran’s ability to generate, move, and repatriate funds. Any person or vessel facilitating these flows—through covert trade and finance—risks exposure to U.S. sanctions. We continue to freeze the funds stolen by the corrupt leadership on behalf of the people of Iran.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent | X
“The Iranian regime must be held accountable for its extortion of global energy markets and indiscriminate targeting of civilians with missiles and drones. Under @POTUS ’ 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.”
“I think the President’s decision to leave the blockade in place is very smart. It is having a strong effect on the ability of Iran to continue to be the largest state sponsor of terrorism – which they appear intent on doing. I not only expect this blockade to stay in place until Iran shows a commitment to change their ways, I expect the blockade will be growing and that it could become global soon. To those assisting or thinking about assisting the Iranian regime in distributing its oil, which provides resources for terrorism, you do so at your own peril.”
“Tonight we will take another vote to end Trump's disastrous Iran war. Republicans will oppose it. They will spend today trying to distract you (like pretending they've never heard of sarcasm). Trump's war is making Iran more powerful. That's a disaster. And Republicans want to talk about anything other than their blind support for a war that is ruining our economy, setting the world on fire, giving Iran control of the Strait, and drawing Iran/Russia/China closer together. They could stop this war now. But they won't. So they throw up obviously disingenuous smoke screens.”
Iran
“Two violating ships, ‘MSC-FRANCESCA’ (linked to the Zionist regime) and ‘EPAMINODES’, which had jeopardized maritime security without the necessary permits and by tampering with navigation systems, were seized by the IRGC Navy and transferred to Iranian coast. Disturbing the order and safety of the Strait of Hormuz is our red line.”
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf | X
“A complete ceasefire only makes sense if it is not violated by the maritime blockade and the hostage-taking of the world’s economy, and if the Zionist warmongering across all fronts is halted; reopening the Strait of Hormuz is impossible with such a flagrant breach of the ceasefire. They did not achieve their goals through military aggression, nor will they through bullying. The only way forward is to recognize the rights of the Iranian nation.”
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.”
Mahdi Mohammadi, Advisor to Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf | X
"Trump’s ceasefire extension means nothing. The losing side cannot dictate terms. The continuation of the siege is no different from bombardment and must be met with a military response. Moreover, Trump's ceasefire extension is certainly a ploy to buy time for a surprise strike. The time for Iran to take the initiative has come.”
Israel
“We welcome the announcement of the Republic of Kosova to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. The world must unite together in fighting Iran’s terrorist regime.“
Europe
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani | X
“I held a telephone conversation this morning with the Iranian Minister @araghchi. I encouraged him to work swiftly toward a constructive solution to the crisis in Iran and to revitalize positive relations with neighboring Gulf countries. It is crucial to quickly reach an understanding on a ceasefire that guarantees the safe reopening of the Strait of #Hormuz and confirms the exclusively civilian nature of the Iranian nuclear program.”
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper | X
“The UK welcomes the ceasefire extension. We want to see negotiations restart, a comprehensive settlement and full reopening of the Strait without restrictions or tolls. Any return to hostilities would be a major setback for the region, the global economy and cost-of-living.”
China
President Xi Jinping | Call with Saudi Crown Prince
“The Strait of Hormuz should remain open to normal navigation, which is in the common interest of regional countries and the international community.”
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun | Comment to Journalists
“As far as I know, the vessel seized by the U.S. is a foreign containership. China rejects any false association and speculation.”
Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif | X
“On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course. With the trust and confidence reposed in, Pakistan shall continue its earnest efforts for negotiated settlement of conflict. I sincerely hope that both sides will continue to observe the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive ‘Peace Deal’ during the second round of talks scheduled at Islamabad for a permanent end to the conflict.”
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