Iran has warned it could open new strategic fronts, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, if the US and Israel take military action against its islands or increase naval pressure. This comes alongside threats from Iran's parliamentary speaker to target regional infrastructure if an island is seized.
Iran's Strategic Warning
An Iranian military source, cited by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, stated that if the enemy attempts ground action on Iranian islands or imposes costs through naval movements, Iran will open other fronts as a "surprise." The source specifically mentioned the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as a potential area for escalation.
- The warning is conditional on actions by the US and Israel.
- Tasnim is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Bab el-Mandeb Strait's Global Role
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a critical chokepoint for global trade:
- Connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.
- Approximately 12% of total global seaborne-traded oil passes through it annually.
- A significant portion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is also transported via this route.
Parliamentary Speaker's Threats
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliamentary speaker, warned that Tehran has intelligence about enemies planning to seize one of Iran's islands with support from a regional country. He threatened that if any step is taken, all vital infrastructure of that regional state will be targeted with continuous attacks. Ghalibaf did not specify the regional country.