US forces are forward and ready across Middle East - CENTCOM

Canada told the UN General Assembly on Thursday that it condemns Iran’s attacks and reaffirmed the importance of upholding international freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to its Mission to the United Nations.

"Canada addressed the UN General Assembly today, condemning Iran’s attacks and affirming the importance of upholding respect for international navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz," Canada mission to UN posted on X.

US Central Command said on Thursday Marines and Navy personnel are supporting ongoing operations to enforce a blockade targeting Iran, as Washington steps up military pressure in regional waters.

"US Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Sailors assigned to amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) support blockade operations against Iran, April 16. US forces are ready and postured to enforce the blockade," CENTCOM posted on X.

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog Rafael Grossi said on Thursday that any potential agreement between the United States and Iran must include “very detailed” measures to verify Tehran’s nuclear activities, warning against what he called an “illusion of an agreement," ABC News reported.

“Iran has a very ambitious, wide nuclear program so all of that will require the presence of IAEA inspectors," Grossi said. "Otherwise, you will not have an agreement. You will have an illusion of an agreement.”

"Any agreement on nuclear technology requires very detailed verification mechanisms," Grossi added.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday criticized Italy after reports that Rome denied the use of a Sicilian airbase for US military aircraft linked to the war in Iran.

“Italy wasn’t there for us, we won’t be there for them,” Trump posted on Truth Social, reacting to the report by Guardian.

The comments came after Italian authorities reportedly blocked the use of the Sigonella airbase by US aircraft after Washington failed to seek timely authorisation for parliamentary approval, as required under procedure.

Italian officials said the request came too late to allow the necessary approval process to be completed before the aircraft were already en route.

US Central Command said on Thursday that the US Navy diverted a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman as part of ongoing enforcement of restrictions targeting ships entering or leaving Iranian ports.

CENTCOM shared on X audio from the USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) alongside video filmed from the destroyer’s embarked helicopter operating over the Gulf of Oman.