Iran has issued a fresh warning that it could block the Bab al-Mandeb Strait if the United States and Israel escalate military action, particularly by targeting Iranian islands such as Kharg. The narrow waterway is a crucial global trade route, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and leading towards the Suez Canal.

The development comes as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, with Tehran already exerting pressure over the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil supply passes, reported NDTV.

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Why Bab al-Mandeb matters

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait carries about 12 per cent of global seaborne oil, making it one of the world's most critical shipping corridors. Located southwest of Yemen, the route plays a key role in international trade flows between Europe, Asia and Africa.

About 12 per cent of global seaborne oil passes through the passageway connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, making it the world's fourth-largest shipping route. Any disruption here could have far-reaching economic consequences, especially when combined with instability in other major oil transit routes.

Iran signals possible escalation

NDTV cited Iranian state-linked media reporting strong warnings from military sources about expanding the scope of the conflict.

"If the enemy wants to take action on land in the Iranian islands or anywhere else in our lands or to inflict costs on Iran with naval movements in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman," Iran's Tasnim News Agency reported, citing Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sources.

"We will open other fronts for them as a surprise so that their action will not only be of no benefit to them but will also double their costs," sources added.

Houthis may enter the conflict

Reports from Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency suggest that the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen could join the conflict. The group, also known as Ansarullah, is positioned near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and has previously targeted vessels in the Red Sea.

According to sources, the Houthis are "fully prepared to play a skillful role" in any potential escalation, raising concerns over further disruptions to maritime traffic.

Warning from Iranian leadership

Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, also warned of possible retaliation if any move is made against Iranian territory.

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"Our forces are monitoring all enemy movements, and if they take any step, all vital infrastructure of that regional state will be targeted with continuous, relentless attacks," Ghalibaf said in a post on X.

The situation continues to evolve, with global attention focused on the potential impact on key shipping routes.