What They’re Saying About Operations Epic and Economic Fury and Project Freedom—May 5, 2026
U.S.
President Donald Trump | Comments to Journalists
“You’ll find out [what Iran would need to do to violate the ceasefire] . . . they know what not to do . . . they fired [from] little boats with pea shooters . . . you know why? Because they don’t have any boats anymore.”
President Donald Trump | Comments to Journalists
“[The Iranian people] want to protest, but they don’t have any guns. You could have 200,000 people protesting, and have 5 or 6 sick people with guns, and when they start shooting them right between the eyes . . . very few people would be able to stand there.”
President Donald Trump | Truth Social
“Iran has taken some shots at unrelated Nations with respect to the Ship Movement, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean Cargo Ship. Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission! We’ve shot down seven small Boats or, as they like to call them, ‘fast’ Boats. It’s all they have left.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth | Press Briefing
“President Trump has directed CENTCOM to restart the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz under the umbrella of Project Freedom. To be clear, this operation is separate and distinct from Operation Epic Fury. Project Freedom is defensive in nature, focused in scope, and temporary in duration. With one mission: protecting innocent commercial shipping from Iranian aggression.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth | Press Briefing
“[T]he ceasefire is not over. Ultimately this [Project Freedom] is a separate, distinct project. And we expected there would be some churn at the beginning, which happened, and we said we would defend and defend aggressively and we absolutely have. Iran knows that and ultimately the president’s going to make a decision whether anything were to escalate into a violation of a ceasefire. But certainly we would urge Iran to be prudent in the actions that they take to keep that underneath this threshold.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth | Press Briefing
“I think there’s some frothiness in the beginning aspects of this that were dealt with very directly by our destroyers and we’re communicating both overtly and and quietly to the Iranians to allow this defensive operation to happen on behalf of the world. There are some actions the IRGC takes sometimes that are outside the bounds of what maybe Iranian negotiators would like. That’s their job to rein that and ultimately create a condition for a deal. . . . Iran has an ability uh to make that deal. But what we’re demonstrating with Project Freedom is they don’t control the Strait.”
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine | Press Briefing
“Since the ceasefire was announced, Iran has fired at commercial vessels nine times and seized two container ships and they’ve attacked US forces more than 10 times. All below the threshold of restarting major combat operations at this point.”
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine | Press Briefing
“Beyond Project Freedom, CENTCOM and the rest of the Joint Force remain ready to resume major combat operations against Iran if ordered to do so. No adversary should mistake our current restraint with a lack of resolve. And the president has said, as the secretary has, that now is the time for those with equity stake in the Strait to come assist.”
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine | Press Briefing
“On the surface, guided missile destroyers and other warships are detecting and defeating Iranian threats. This includes fastboats and one-way attack drones. In the air, more than 100 fighters, attack aircraft, and other manned and unmanned aircraft synchronized by the 82nd Airborne Division are in the air 24 hours a day providing defensive overwatch for the enhanced security area and its approaches that I discussed. These forces are comprised of over 15,000 American service members and have established localized air and sea control to protect against Iranian threats. Commercial vessels that transit through the area will see, hear, and frankly feel US combat power around them on the sea, in the skies, and on the radio.”
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine | Press Briefing
“As a result of Iran’s indiscriminate attacks across the region, there are currently 22,500 mariners embarked on more than 1,550 commercial vessels trapped in the Arabian Gulf, unable to transit.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio | Statement
“At President Trump’s direction, the United States, alongside Bahrain and our Gulf partners, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, drafted a UN Security Council Resolution to defend freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The draft resolution requires Iran to cease attacks, mining, and tolling. It demands that Iran disclose the number and location of the sea mines it has laid and cooperate with efforts to remove them, while also supporting the establishment of a humanitarian corridor. The United States looks forward to this resolution being voted on in the coming days and to receiving support from Security Council members and a broad base of co-sponsors.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio | Remarks to Journalists
“[Project Freedom] is not an offensive operation. This is a defensive operation, and what that means is very simple: there’s no shooting unless we’re shot at first. We’re not attacking them, but if they’re attacking us or they’re attacking a ship, you need to respond to that.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio | Remarks to Journalists
“[Operation Economic Fury] continues to impose maximum pressure on the Iranian regime and what remains of their already frail economy. Every day the conflict continues . . . our leverage on Iran will continue to increase, and their position will continue to weaken.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio | Remarks to Journalists
“That’s the object of this diplomacy, is to come up with some level of understanding about what are the topics that they've agreed to negotiate on. We don’t have to have the actual agreement written out in one day. This is highly complex and highly technical, but we have to have a diplomatic solution that is very clear about the topics that they are willing to negotiate on, and the extent and the concessions are willing to make at the front end in order to make those talks worthwhile.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries | X
“Gas prices are rising toward $5 a gallon because of the reckless Republican war of choice in Iran. Enough.”
Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner | X
“Trump can call this war over all he wants… Americans know the truth. It’s way easier to get into a war in the Middle East than it is to get out of one. We’re still deep in this one.”
“The combination of Iran’s attack against UAE’s vital infrastructure and continued attacks on international shipping, including a South Korean cargo ship, more than justifies a big, strong and short response to inflict further damage on Iran’s war machine.”
ISRAEL
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar | Press Conference
“We received yesterday, once again, evidence of the Iranian regime’s mad nature. We strongly condemn the regime’s unprovoked attacks against the United Arab Emirates. Anyone who sees how this regime behaves toward all its neighbors in the region - understands the need to prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons.”
IRAN
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf | X
“The new equation of the Strait of Hormuz is in the process of being solidified. The security of shipping and energy transit has been jeopardized by the United States and its allies through the violation of the ceasefire and the imposition of a blockade; of course, their evil will diminish. We know full well that the continuation of the status quo is intolerable for America; while we have not even begun yet.”
Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i | X
“The era of borrowed order in the waters of the Persian Gulf has come to an end. Legal support for the sovereignty of the ‘new order’ in this region is our definitive and unconditional mission, and any action disrupting security in [the Strait of Hormuz] will be met with the firm barrier and harsh field response of the soldiers of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian | X
“If politics is reduced to power, the result is today’s world: chaos, oppression, injustice, and piracy. In our national ethos and religious worldview, power without ethics is hollow. Today، Iran represents ethical, responsible power; its enemies embody reckless & unchecked force.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi | X
“Events in Hormuz make clear that there’s no military solution to a political crisis. As talks are making progress with Pakistan's gracious effort, the U.S. should be wary of being dragged back into quagmire by ill-wishers. So should the UAE. Project Freedom is Project Deadlock.”
GULF STATES
Anwar Gargash, Senior Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President | X
“Iran’s dangerous escalation and targeting of civilians is nothing but a moral bankruptcy for a regime that has chosen aggression as its approach to dealing with its neighbors. The UAE’s firm and principled stance will not be intimidated by this escalation, nor will it allow it to shape the contours of future relations in the region. And once again, Iran has missed the mark.”
Anwar Gargash, Senior Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President | X
“We appreciate and value the messages of solidarity from the Gulf, Arab, and international communities with the United Arab Emirates, which condemn and denounce the treacherous Iranian attack, and reflect the international community’s commitment to a system based on values and responsibility, one that rejects rogue actions and isolates their perpetrators. These positions affirm that Iran is the aggressor party, responsible for exacerbating the crisis in the Arabian Gulf, and the source of danger and threat to its security and stability.”
“The UAE’s air defenses are currently dealing with missile and drone attacks originating from Iran.”
“The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s concern regarding the current military escalation in the region and calls for de-escalation, restraint, and support for Pakistani mediation and diplomatic efforts to reach a political solution that prevents the region from sliding into further tension and instability, which would not serve the interests of the region and the world.”
“The State of Qatar strongly condemns the renewed Iranian attacks targeting civilian sites and facilities in the sisterly United Arab Emirates using missiles and drones, which resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals. Qatar considers these attacks a blatant violation of the UAE’s sovereignty and a serious threat to the security and stability of the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms Qatar's full solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and its support for all measures taken by the UAE to preserve its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.”
PAKISTAN
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif | X
“Pakistan strongly condemns the missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates last night. I express full solidarity with His Highness @MohamedBinZayed. Pakistan stands firmly with our Emirati brothers and sisters as well as with the Government of the United Arab Emirates at this difficult time. It is absolutely essential that the ceasefire be upheld and respected, to allow necessary diplomatic space for dialogue leading to enduring peace and stability in the region.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar | X
“The missile and drone attacks carried out yesterday against the United Arab Emirates are condemnable. We stand with the brotherly people of UAE . . . Pakistan will continue making efforts for lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.”
EUROPE
French President Emmanuel Macron | X
“Today’s Iranian strikes against Emirati civilian infrastructure are unjustified and unacceptable. As it has done since the start of the conflict, France will continue to support its allies in the Emirates and in the region for the defense of their territory. A lasting solution to the ongoing conflict will only come through the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to free circulation and a robust agreement that provides the necessary security guarantees to the countries of the region, particularly against the threats posed by Iran in nuclear, ballistic, and regional destabilization activities.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz | X
“The United Arab Emirates has once again been the target of Iranian drone and missile attacks. We strongly condemn these attacks. Our solidarity is with the people of the United Arab Emirates and our partners in the region. Tehran must return to the negotiating table and stop holding the region and the world hostage: The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz must end. Tehran must not acquire a nuclear weapon. There must be no further threats or attacks against our partners.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni | X
“The Italian Government expresses its solidarity with the United Arab Emirates for the unjustifiable attacks they have suffered, which must cease immediately. In this challenging environment, Italy will continue to do its part to foster dialogue and prevent the crisis from spreading regionally. Freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is a fundamental principle of international law and essential to the global economy.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen | X
“Today, our partner, the UAE, was once again the target of a vicious missiles and drone attacks originating from Iran. . . . These attacks are unacceptable and constitute a clear violation of sovereignty and international law. Security in the region has direct consequences for Europe. So we will keep working closely with our partners on de-escalation and diplomatic resolution, to bring an end to the Iranian regime’s brutal actions. Both against its neighbors and its own people.”
European Council President António Costa | X
“Full solidarity with @MohamedBinZayed and the people of the United Arab Emirates following Iran’s unjustified missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure. These violations of sovereignty and international law are unacceptable and need to stop. Iran must engage in negotiations to ensure the ceasefire in Middle East holds. The EU will continue to work with our partners toward de-escalation, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and a lasting diplomatic solution for regional security.”
UKRAINE
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy | X
“Unfortunately, Iran carried out reckless strikes against the UAE yesterday. Overall military tensions in the Gulf have also significantly increased. Such steps by Iran can only be condemned. There needs to be more security and the speed at which the situation is stabilized and security is ensured in this region will also have a significant impact on the entire world.”
CANADA
Prime Minister Mark Carney | X
“Canada strongly condemns Iran’s unprovoked missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates. We stand in solidarity with @MohamedBinZayed and the people of the United Arab Emirates and commend defensive efforts to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. Canada reiterates its call for de-escalation and diplomacy in the region.”
Foreign Minister Anita Anand | X
“I have been in touch with my counterpart H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to express Canada’s condemnation of Iran's strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure in the Gulf, including those affecting the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone in the UAE. Strikes on civilian infrastructure must end – in line with international law. Canada stands with the people of the UAE, alongside other Gulf partners and will continue to support diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.”
AUSTRALIA
Australian Ambassador to the UAE Ridwaan Jadwat | X
“Australia condemns Iran’s unjustified attacks on the UAE’s civilian infrastructure. We stand in solidarity with the people of the UAE and call for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities.”
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