Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Iran has issued a stark warning to unnamed regional powers, signaling it could launch retaliatory attacks if one of its islands is occupied, escalating tensions in the Gulf.
Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, posted on X that intelligence reports suggest adversaries are preparing to seize an Iranian island with support from a regional country. “Our forces are monitoring all enemy movements,” Qalibaf said. “If they attempt any action, all critical infrastructure of that regional state will be targeted with relentless attacks.”
A military source speaking to the Tasnim News Agency indicated that Iran could also open a new front at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if an attack occurs in southern Iran. The strait, a strategic chokepoint near Yemen, has previously been disrupted by Houthi operations, causing significant interruptions to international shipping and global energy markets.
The military source added that Iran is closely observing enemy preparations and movements. “If the adversary attempts a ground operation on Iranian islands or any territory, or inflicts losses through naval maneuvers in the Persian Gulf or the Gulf of Oman, we will open additional fronts suddenly, ensuring that the aggressor gains nothing and suffers multiplied losses,” the statement said.
The warning reflects growing concern in Tehran over potential regional confrontations, particularly regarding control of strategic maritime routes and island territories. Analysts say any escalation in these waters could have immediate economic consequences, disrupting shipping lanes that handle a substantial portion of the world’s oil exports.
Iran’s announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and a broader backdrop of military and diplomatic maneuvering involving Gulf states, the United States, and other international actors. Observers warn that actions against Iranian islands or strategic points could trigger a rapid military escalation across multiple fronts, including both land and maritime domains.
