Iranian Intelligence Official Warns of Red Sea Blockade as Tensions Simmer An Iranian regime intelligence official has warned that Iran will attempt to block shipping traffic in another waterway if Israeli military strikes against Hezbollah or in Gaza continue. Esmail Qaani, head of the Iranian Quds Force, claimed Iran would try to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical shipping route between Yemen and the Horn of Africa. This threat follows Iran’s actions to block traffic in the Strait of Hormuz since hostilities began, and comes amid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait since 2023.

• Iran has warned it will attempt to block shipping traffic in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
• This action would be a response to continued Israeli military strikes against Hezbollah or in Gaza.
• Esmail Qaani, head of the Iranian Quds Force, made the threat.
• The Bab al-Mandab Strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is a critical shipping waterway.
• This potential blockade echoes Iran’s actions to block traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
• The Houthi terrorist group, based in Yemen, has been attacking shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait since 2023.