• Source:JND

US-Iran War: A senior Iranian legislator asserted that Tehran could further escalate pressure on its adversaries by targeting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another of the world's critical maritime chokepoints. The statement comes amidst the ongoing maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by the Iranian military, creating global fuel havoc. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, could disrupt global energy supplies if Iran resorts to a broader confrontation.

The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, hinted at the potential for significant disruption in a series of questions posted on the social media platform X on Friday. Raising the stakes regarding global supply chain vulnerabilities, Ghalibaf questioned the extent of the world's reliance on the passage. He asked, "What share of global oil, LNG, wheat, rice, and fertiliser shipments transits the Bab el-Mandeb Strait?"

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The Speaker further suggested that specific nations and corporate entities might be particularly exposed to such a strategic move. "Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait?" the post continued, implying that the Islamic Republic is evaluating the most impactful ways to exert leverage.

This strategic posturing on the maritime front coincides with a major escalation on the battlefield. Iranian and allied forces have launched "Wave 93" of a sustained retaliatory campaign, striking critical Israeli military staging grounds deep within the occupied territories, state broadcaster Press TV reported. The strikes are described as a direct response to recent hostilities, marking a significant escalation in the regional confrontation.

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Will the blockage of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait affect India?

The answer is 'yes'. The blockage of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait would have a serious impact on the economy, energy security, and trade of energy-importing nations, including India. European and South Asian countries will be the biggest victims if the conflict reaches near Bab-el-Mandeb, as it links the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea and, together with the Suez Canal, the shortest route for Europe-Asia trade. India imports approximately 50% of its total crude oil and roughly 60% of its LPG and significant Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, and other countries. The oilships pass through two key straits - the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. If the latter is blocked, tankers would have to circumnavigate the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. This would increase travel distances by 30-40%, and increase transportation costs by 20-50%.

(With ANI Inputs)


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