“Mediterranean can be closed” Iran warns US
A high-ranking official from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards has issued a statement suggesting the possibility of closing the Mediterranean Sea if the United States and its allies persist in what Iran deems as “crimes” in Gaza. The commander in question, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, who serves as the coordinating commander of the Guards, made this declaration without offering specifics on the mechanism for such a closure. Iran’s support for Hamas against Israel is underlined, with accusations directed at the U.S. for supporting what Iran terms as Israeli crimes in Gaza. Naqdi mentioned the potential closure of strategic waterways, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has triggered a series of retaliatory actions in maritime regions, particularly the Red Sea. The Iran-aligned Houthi group in Yemen has targeted merchant vessels in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza, prompting certain shipping companies to alter their routes. The White House has responded by stating that Iran is deeply involved in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Despite lacking direct access to the Mediterranean, Naqdi hinted at the emergence of new resistance powers and the potential closure of other waterways. He specifically referenced recent challenges faced by the U.S. and its allies in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Intensified escalations
Recent incidents in maritime regions have escalated tensions further. A British maritime security firm, Ambrey, reported a drone strike on an Israel-affiliated merchant vessel off India’s west coast. This incident follows a series of drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthi group, claiming to support Palestinians under siege by Israel in the Gaza Strip. These attacks have forced shippers to modify their routes, circumventing the southern tip of Africa due to heightened risks in the Red Sea.
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It’s worth noting that while Iran lacks direct access to the Mediterranean, the only groups backed by Iran in this region are Hezbollah in Lebanon and allied militias in Syria. These groups are situated at the far end of the Mediterranean Sea, away from the Strait of Gibraltar.