Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani has announced the formation of what he described as a new "resistance security belt" stretching across two of the world's most important maritime routes: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb.
According to Iran's official IRNA news agency cited by NDTV, the proposed security corridor would extend from the Strait of Hormuz to the Bab al-Mandeb and from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea.
The announcement comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and follows recent exchanges between Iran and Israel.
Warning to Israel and the United States
In his remarks, Qaani said the initiative reflected growing coordination among groups aligned with Tehran across the region.
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Praising recent military actions by Yemen, he was quoted as saying by NDTV, "Yemen's courageous and timely action demonstrates the wisdom of the Resistance Front. If necessary, others will join as well."
He also issued a direct warning to Israel and the United States over the strategic waterways.
"Borderless fighters are watching over your vital passageways. Continue your aggression, and they will seize you by the throat."
The statement suggests Iran is seeking to project influence across a maritime corridor that connects the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and key international shipping routes.
Iran strikes back again. Yemen joins the response. The Straits are closed. 🇮🇷ðŸ‡ðŸ‡ª 🇮🇱
— @Suriyak (@Suriyakmaps) June 8, 2026
Following the Israeli attack on Iran early this morning, the IRGC launched a new wave of missiles against central and northern Israel. Ansarallah joined this attack, striking targets around Tel pic.twitter.com/4aesmUIMot
Why these waterways matter
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, located between Yemen and the Horn of Africa, serves as the southern gateway to the Red Sea. Nearly 15 per cent of global maritime trade passes through the narrow waterway each year.
Any disruption in the area could force ships to take the longer route around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, significantly increasing travel times and shipping costs.
The Strait of Hormuz is equally important to global energy markets. Before the outbreak of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, around 25 per cent of the world's seaborne oil trade and 20 per cent of global liquefied natural gas shipments moved through the strait.
Concerns over future escalation
Qaani's comments came during a temporary pause in hostilities between Iran and Israel following a weekend of missile exchanges.
The announcement signals Tehran's intention to maintain a strong presence across key maritime routes, placing renewed attention on waterways through which a substantial share of global energy supplies and international trade flows every day.
FAQs:
Why are the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb important?
Both are major maritime chokepoints through which a significant share of global energy shipments and international trade passes.
What is the Hormuz-Bab al-Mandeb security belt announced by Iran?
Iran says it is a proposed security corridor stretching from the Strait of Hormuz to the Bab al-Mandeb and across key regional waterways.
