Iran could open new fronts targeting key global maritime routes, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait, if adversaries intensify military pressure against it, a military source told Tasnim News Agency, signalling the possibility of wider disruption across international shipping corridors.
“In case the enemy decides to take provocative measures in southern Iran, new fronts could open that will surprise the enemy," the military source said, according to Tasnim.
The warning comes amid intensifying hostilities between Iran and Israel, along with the United States, in the conflict that began with joint strikes on February 28.
BAB AL-MANDAB STRAIT EMERGES AS STRATEGIC PRESSURE POINT
The report highlighted the Bab al-Mandab Strait as a potential flashpoint if the conflict expands further, underscoring the strategic importance of the waterway linking the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
“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 military source said.
The official warned that any attempt by the United States to impose measures related to the Strait of Hormuz could trigger retaliatory pressure in other maritime chokepoints.
“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 source added.
According to AFP, Iran has also indicated that Red Sea shipping routes could be targeted if the United States launches a ground invasion, suggesting the possibility of disruption across multiple trade arteries critical to global commerce.
IRAN WARNS OF ‘SURPRISE FRONTS’ IN RESPONSE TO MILITARY MOVES
The military source told Tasnim that Tehran is closely tracking developments and is prepared to escalate if adversaries attempt military action in southern Iran or the surrounding waters.
“We are constantly monitoring and keeping an eye on the enemy front’s preparations and developments," the source said.
The official warned that any attempt to impose costs on Iran through naval deployments in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman would lead to countermeasures designed to expand 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, 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 said.
HORMUZ CRISIS RAISES GLOBAL ENERGY SECURITY CONCERNS
The warning comes as tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy transit route through which about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.
Iran has largely blocked traffic through the strategic waterway since the joint US-Israeli attacks began, contributing to rising energy prices and concerns over supply disruptions worldwide.
Western allies are exploring ways to secure shipping routes, but analysts say the challenges are greater than those encountered in the Red Sea, where previous efforts to protect vessels from attacks by Yemen’s Houthis proved costly and only partially effective.
Reuters reported that the Red Sea security operation cost billions of dollars and still saw four vessels sunk between 2024 and 2025, with shipping companies continuing to avoid the route due to persistent risks.
Experts cited by Reuters say Iran’s advanced military capabilities, including drones, missiles and sea mines positioned along its mountainous coastline, complicate efforts to ensure safe passage through the narrow Strait of Hormuz.
REFERENCE TO ASALUYEH INCIDENT
The Iranian source also referenced what was described as an Israeli strike on the South Pars Gas Field in Asaluyeh in southern Iran, warning that Tehran remains prepared for further escalation if tensions continue to rise.
“If the enemy has doubts and lacks the wisdom to learn from its experiences, it can test us again, like (they did) in the Asaluyeh incident," the source said.
Israel launched strikes across Iran in recent days, while Tehran has continued retaliatory missile attacks targeting Israeli territory and Gulf infrastructure, highlighting the expanding scope of the conflict.
Source: News18