An adviser to Mojtaba Khamenei has warned that Iranian allies could move to shut the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, escalating tensions across critical global shipping lanes.

The warning comes after Iran’s effective disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor that handles a significant share of the world’s oil and gas shipments. Together, the two waterways form a crucial link between the Middle East, Europe, and global markets.

The Bab al-Mandeb connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and has become increasingly important for energy and trade flows, particularly as routes shift away from conflict zones. Any disruption there could have immediate consequences for global shipping and oil prices.

Analysts say the threat signals a potential widening of the conflict beyond the Persian Gulf, raising concerns that multiple chokepoints could be targeted simultaneously. Such a move would significantly increase pressure on global supply chains and energy markets already strained by the ongoing crisis.