Iran has issued a warning that the current conflict in the Middle East could spread beyond the region, with the Indian Ocean identified as a potential new theatre of confrontation. The warning was made by Yahya Rahim Safavi, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. In a video published by Iran's Fars news agency, Safavi stated that the conflict had already expanded from the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea.
Safavi's remarks come amid growing tensions in the region, particularly around key waterways. The conflict has already had a significant impact on global trade, with Yemen's Houthis recently taking control of parts of the Red Sea coastline. This has strengthened their position around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a major shipping route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The route is crucial for global trade, providing a key connection between Asia and Europe through the Suez Canal.
Iran has provided military support to the Houthis over the years, although it has denied being directly involved in the conflict in Yemen. The country has also closed the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil and gas shipping route off its southern coast, following US and Israeli strikes that triggered the current conflict at the end of February. Iran and the United States are now engaged in a dispute over control of the strategic waterway.
Iranian officials had previously warned that the geographical scope of the conflict could expand if US attacks resumed. However, Safavi's statement was the first time an adviser to the Supreme Leader specifically mentioned the Indian Ocean as a potential new theatre of confrontation. The Indian Ocean is home to the strategically important US-British military base at Diego Garcia, located approximately 4,000 kilometres from Iran.
The warning comes as officials from Iran and the United States held talks in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The talks are part of efforts to end the conflict, with Iran demanding the lifting of economic sanctions and the unconditional release of its frozen assets abroad as conditions for ending the war.
Revolutionary Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebi also stated that ending the conflict in Yemen was among the issues being discussed. The talks between Iran and the US are seen as a crucial step towards resolving the conflict, which has had far-reaching consequences for global trade and security.
The conflict in the Middle East has been ongoing for several months, with no clear end in sight. Iran's warning of expanding the conflict to the Indian Ocean has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation. The international community is closely watching the situation, with many calling for restraint and diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
Key points
- Iran warns of expanding conflict to Indian Ocean if US carries out further military strikes
- Conflict has already spread from Persian Gulf to Red Sea, says adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader
- Iran demands lifting of economic sanctions and release of frozen assets as conditions for ending war
