What They’re Saying About Operations Epic and Economic Fury and Project Freedom—May 7, 2026

U.S.

Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz | X

[Quote-tweeting an X post by Iran’s UN mission that laid out what it described as “[t]he only viable solution in the Strait of Hormuz] “Translation: The Iranian regime wants to mine an international waterway, attack commercial vessels, charge illegal tolls, block humanitarian aid, and then call America ‘politically motivated’ for asking the UN to make them stop. Freedom of navigation is a core pillar of global peace and prosperity. Iran treats it like a doormat.”

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent | Press Release

“Like a rogue gang, the Iranian regime is pillaging resources that rightfully belong to the Iraqi people. Treasury will not stand idly by as Iran’s military exploits Iraqi oil to fund terrorism against the United States and our partners.”

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen | Press Interview

“There are a lot of mixed messages coming out of this administration. I wish President Trump would stop negotiating with the administration and start negotiating with Iran. Because I think that is the best way to get a resolution, we haven’t seen a clear strategy, we haven’t seen what the end game is. What we have seen is higher prices for Americans at the gas pump, in the grocery store. None of the stated goals that President Trump said he was in this war for have been accomplished and Americans are not better off.”

IRAN

Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf | X

“Operation Trust Me Bro failed. Now back to routine with Operation Fauxios.”

Mohsen Rezaei, Military Advisor to the Supreme Leader

“We can ensure our own security. We want to establish a regional security council. There are major countries in the region, such as Iraq, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, and we can provide security. . . . Given the unfolding developments and attempts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the United States is seeking to stage a flamboyant gesture and then exit the scene. We will not allow such schemes to materialize. . . . We will doubtlessly demand our rights and reparations, even if US military forces return home and withdraw from the region. We have endured them for 47 years and will continue to tread the path of resistance.”

Mission to the UN | X

“The only viable solution in the Strait of Hormuz is clear: a permanent end to the war, the lifting of the maritime blockade, and the restoration of normal passage. Instead, the U.S. is pushing a flawed, politically motivated UN Security Council draft resolution under the pretext of ‘freedom of navigation’ to advance its political agenda and legitimise unlawful actions—not to resolve the crisis. Iran calls on Member States to act on the basis of logic, fairness and principle, not pressure, reject the draft, and refrain from supporting or co-sponsoring it.”