Advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Akbar Velayati, has said that the security of the Strait of Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, and Bab el-Mandeb is in their hands, warning that any “provocation” will be met with a series of retaliatory responses.
In a statement, he said the era of imposing maritime security from overseas powers has ended. He added that if Britain and France are interested in shipping security, they should address issues in the English Channel and Gibraltar, while praising Spain’s “independent and wise” stance.
Meanwhile, after renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Yemen’s Houthis have threatened to close the Bab el-Mandeb. In a statement, the Houthi movement said that if Donald Trump continues to obstruct peace efforts, they could shut down the waterway, urging him and his allies to respect their rights.
Bab el-Mandeb is a key passage connecting the Gulf of Aden with the Red Sea. According to reports, Iran has again restricted access in the Strait of Hormuz, halting commercial shipping movement. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the strait will remain under strict control until the United States restores the movement of ships to and from Iran.
