What They’re Saying About Operation Epic Fury—May 1, 2026
U.S.
President Donald Trump | Comments to Journalists
“We just had a conversation with Iran, let’s see what happens. But I would say that I am not happy. . . . They’re asking forthings that I can’t agree to. . . . There are the options: Do you want to go blast the hell out of ’em and finish them forever, or do we want to try and make a deal? I mean, those are the options. . . . I’d prefer not [to strike Iran again]. On a human basis, I’d prefer not, but that’s the option. . . . Right now, we have negotiations going on. They’re not getting there, they are very disjointed—they’re extremely disjointed. They’re not able to get along with each other as leaders. They don’t know who the leader is. . . . They come back. One says one thing, one says another.”
President Donald Trump | Press Interview
“Steve Witkoff told me the US offered Iran to give them enriched uranium for medical purposes for free if they would give up their nuclear program, which wouldn’t cost them a dime. They declined that, suggesting they didn’t want a deal. Well, maybe it wasn’t a serious offer because I would not have approved that. I’m not giving them anything, they are either going to have a nuclear weapon or they are not. If they are not, they are in big trouble. Big, even bigger than they are right now. Right now, their economy is collapsing, inflation is close to 100 percent, their equivalent of our dollar is literally nonexistent. They can’t do anything because we have a blockade that is 100 percent effective. So they can’t sell oil, that’s $500 million a day.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent | X
“Amid the impact of Economic Fury, Iran’s currency has hit an all-time low. The Iranian people deserve a new era, which the corrupt and shambolic Iranian regime cannot provide. With their oil industry closing and their currency plummeting, it is past time for the Iranian regime to concede that the people of Iran deserve much better than the ruins of their current regime can provide.”
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen | X
“After sixty days of conflict, President Trump still does not have a strategy or way out for this poorly planned war. Americans want a lasting end to this conflict. They want lower prices at home. They want peace and prosperity. In short, they want what the President promised. It’s time the Administration pursue a serious diplomatic path forward.”
“Completely agree with President Trump’s assessment that the blockade of Iranian oil shipments is brilliant in concept and execution. The economic pressure on Iran is beyond real. However, we can’t forget who we’re dealing with here. The regime could care less about its people and will continue to challenge President Trump and the world. I still support a diplomatic conclusion to the Iranian conflict that will achieve the stated purpose of changing Iran’s behavior so it will never be able to acquire a nuclear weapon and will not be allowed to go back to its old ways of terrorizing the region and the world. Simply put, a diplomatic solution that makes Iran more normal and less crazy would be welcome. A diplomatic solution does, however, require willing partners, which seems to be missing in the case of Iran. With that in mind, I would urge President Trump to strongly push to open the Strait of Hormuz to more international shipping, improving the world economy and reducing Iran’s leverage. If Iran continues to be provocative toward the world and the United States, we should never hesitate to use whatever military means necessary to neutralize this threat.”
“As I have said since these hostilities with Iran began, the President’s authority as Commander-in-Chief is not without limits. The Constitution gives Congress an essential role in decisions of war and peace, and the War Powers Act establishes a clear 60-day deadline for Congress to either authorize or end U.S. involvement in foreign hostilities. That deadline is not a suggestion; it is a requirement. Our military has performed magnificently and with great courage and sacrifice in diminishing the threat that Iran poses to our country, our allies, the broader Middle East, and the world. Further military action against Iran must have a clear mission, achievable goals, and a defined strategy for bringing the conflict to a close. I voted to end the continuation of these military hostilities at this time until such a case is made.”
Sen. Richard Blumenthal | Press Interview
“There really is no coherent strategy [to Operation Epic Fury] . . . I do have the impression from some of the briefings that I have received, as well as other sources, that an imminent military strike is very much on the table, which is deeply disturbing, because it could very well involve American sons and daughters in harm’s way and potential massive casualties.”
IRAN
Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i | Video Message
“The Islamic Republic has never shied away from negotiations... but we certainly do not accept imposition. . . . We do not welcome war in any way; we do not want war, we do not want its continuation. . . . [Iran is] absolutely not willing to abandon our principles and values in the face of this malicious enemy in order to avoid war or prevent its continuation.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian | X
“The world has witnessed Iran’s tolerance and conciliation. What is being done under the guise of a naval blockade is an extension of military operations against a nation paying the price for its resistance and independence. Continuation of this oppressive approach is intolerable.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi | X
“The Pentagon is lying. Netanyahu's gamble has directly cost America $100b so far, four times what is claimed. Indirect costs for U.S. taxpayers are FAR higher. Monthly bill for each American household is $500 and rising fast. Israel First always means America Last.”
GULF STATES
Anwar Gargash, Senior Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President | X
“In the ongoing discourse surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, collective international will and the principles of international law emerge as the primary guarantors of freedom of navigation in this vital waterway, thereby serving regional stability and the global economy in the post-war era. Naturally, no unilateral Iranian arrangements can be trusted or relied upon following its brutal aggression against all its neighbors.”
EAST ASIA
Chinese Ambassador to the UN Fu Cong | Comments to Journalists
“Iran needs to lift its restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. needs to lift its naval blockade. The most urgent issue is to keep the ceasefire. And the ceasefire needs to last, and there has to be a good-faith negotiation between the two sides. I think the international community should be mobilized and raise our voices against the resumption of fighting.”
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