President Trump said Russia has performed fairly well on the Strait of Hormuz issue.

Iran Supreme National Security Council secretary Rezaei said some countries have withdrawn US combat aircraft from their territory to avoid potential Iranian strikes. He said Iran has endured 15 years of sanctions, accused the US of imposing a more-than-month-long maritime blockade, and said the shift to "economic pressure" after military measures shows the enemy's desperation.

Sources say six months after being named Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly or issued statements; his absence is attributed to assassination concerns. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has further increased influence since the war began and sits at the core of a restructured Supreme National Security Council, driving top strategic decisions. That senior power circle reportedly centers on the IRGC commander and includes President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Sources add Mojtaba attends high-level meetings and retains final authority on major issues, but direct access to him is limited to a small number of officials; a close aide says his health is markedly improving and he remains mentally sharp.