Iran’s Safavi Warns Conflict Could Spread to Indian Ocean and Beyond

Tehran: Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, a military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, has warned that any renewed US military action against Iran could trigger the opening of a new front in the Red Sea and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Speaking to Iranian media, Safavi said that if the United States launches another war, Washington could face an expanded conflict in the region. He questioned whether American forces would be prepared to confront a new front around the strategic maritime chokepoint. 

Safavi also suggested that the conflict could eventually extend towards the Indian Ocean and potentially beyond, saying Iran's military had prepared for worst-case scenarios in the event of renewed attacks. 

The Iranian general described Iran and Yemen as facing common threats and having overlapping interests. He said Tehran supports the Yemenis and argued that a threat to Yemen would also constitute a threat to Iran.

Safavi also expressed support for the Houthi movement, saying he hoped it would regain territory from forces backed by Saudi Arabia. His comments come amid renewed fighting in Yemen, where Houthi forces have made gains along parts of the Red Sea coast and around the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb area. 

The warnings come as tensions remain high between Iran and the United States, with the security of the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb emerging as major flashpoints for regional and international shipping.