Iran warns allies will shut Bab al-Mandab if attacked — second strategic strait now under threat

An Iranian source told Reuters on April 7 that if the situation gets out of control, Iran's allies would close the Bab al-Mandab strait — the critical waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The source stated that the Strait of Hormuz would not be the only strategic chokepoint to remain closed. This threat significantly escalates the maritime dimensions of Iran's retaliation posture, potentially affecting not just oil shipments through the Persian Gulf but also Red Sea routing used by tankers heading to Europe via the Suez Canal. The statement came as the 8PM ET deadline approached and amid Iran's submission of a 10-point peace proposal.