Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araghchi, stated that all countries that are prohibited from using the Strait of Hormuz are the United States and Israel. This follows Iran's response to Operation Epic Fury, which saw hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones launched at targets across multiple Middle Eastern countries. Araghch claimed that the Iranian regime was not targeting ships and that the Strait was only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to enemies. At least 16 merchant vessels have been hit by attacks in the Persian Gulf as of Thursday. President Donald Trump has suggested that other countries are sending naval vessels to escort tankers through the Strait.