Iran is ramping up its threats as negotiations to end the war appear to be faltering and a U.S. ground operation becomes more likely.Iranian state media outlet Tasnim News Agency, citing a “military source,” indicated that Tehran was prepared to close the Bab al Mandeb, a critical waterway linking the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea, in the event of a U.S. ground op.
“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, 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,” the source told the outlet.
“The Bab al-Mandab Strait is considered one of the world’s strategic straits, and Iran has both the will and the ability to create a completely credible threat against it,” the source went on. “Therefore, if the Americans want to think of a solution for the Strait of Hormuz with stupid measures, they should be careful not to add another strait to their problems and predicaments.”
The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, which control much of the shoreline adjacent to the strait, has previously closed the waterway to maritime traffic by attacking commercial shipping. U.S. forces struck the Houthis last year, resulting in an agreement with the group to cease their targeting of American vessels.
Thus far, however, the Houthis have mostly stayed out of the current conflict. But should they resume their activities, they could theoretically shutter one of the most trafficked commercial shipping lanes in the world and force vessels to sail entirely around Africa instead. Coupled with the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, such an action would have severe economic consequences.
Iranian threats have escalated in recent days. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohamed Ghalibaf, for instance, threatened Gulf States on Wednesday by saying Iran would strike the infrastructure of any nation that aided a U.S. ground operation.
“Based on some data, Iran’s enemies, with the support of one of the regional countries, are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands,” he said. “All enemy movements are under the full surveillance of our armed forces. If they step out of line, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will, without restriction, become the target of relentless attacks.”
Ghalibaf was initially reported to be leading negotiations with the U.S., though he has denied involvement.
Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.
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