Iran Warns of Conflict Expansion to Indian Ocean Amid Tensions

Yahya Rahim Safavi, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a warning that Iran may expand the ongoing Middle East conflict to the Indian Ocean if the United States conducts further attacks. This statement was made in a video released by Iran’s Fars news agency on Thursday.

Safavi noted that the conflict has already spread from the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea, suggesting that it could extend even further. The Houthis, who are engaged in a conflict with Saudi-backed forces, have recently gained control of parts of the Red Sea coastline, enhancing their influence over the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Iran has historically provided military support to the Houthis while denying direct involvement in the Yemen conflict. The warning marks the first mention of the Indian Ocean by an adviser to the Supreme Leader, highlighting the strategic implications of U.S. military presence in the region, particularly near the U.S.-British base at Diego Garcia.

Iranian officials have previously indicated a willingness to widen the conflict's geographic scope if U.S. strikes resume.