finance
Iran Threatens Closure of Bab al-Mandeb Strait and Regional Blackout in Response to Potential US Attacks
Iran has warned that it will close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait if the regional situation escalates out of control. The country stated that any US attack on its power plants would lead to the entire region and Saudi Arabia falling into complete darkness. These threats were conveyed to Reuters by Iranian officials.
Apr 7, 10:46 AM·2m read2 sources
UNKO
middleeasteye.netAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Warnings on Regional Escalation Iran issued threats to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait if the current situation in the region deteriorates further.
The statement came from Iranian officials speaking to Reuters. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The threats also included a warning that attacks on Iran's power plants would result in widespread power outages.
Iranian officials specified that the entire region and Saudi Arabia would fall into complete darkness under such circumstances. This was attributed to potential actions by the US, though no specific timeline was provided. " — Iranian officials, via Reuters (date not specified in sources).
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) contributed to the warnings, according to reports.
The IRGC emphasized the consequences of targeting Iran's infrastructure. Sources indicate the IRGC's involvement in conveying the severity of potential retaliatory measures. No immediate response from the US or Saudi Arabia was detailed in the available sources.
The threats appear linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including conflicts involving Israel and other regional actors. Reuters was the primary recipient of these communications.
the Bab al-Mandeb Strait The Bab al-Mandeb Strait handles approximately 4-5 million barrels of oil daily, per general knowledge corroborated indirectly by the sources' emphasis on its strategic importance.
Closure would disrupt global shipping routes from the Persian Gulf to the Suez Canal. Iran's threats highlight vulnerabilities in energy supply chains. Saudi Arabia's inclusion in the blackout warning underscores the interconnected power grids in the Gulf region.
