Iranian media reports have highlighted a threat issued by a commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, suggesting the possibility of closing the Mediterranean Sea in response to ongoing actions by the United States and its allies that Tehran views as “crimes” in Gaza.
However, the statement did not clarify the mechanics of such a closure, as reported by Reuters.
Iran has been a staunch supporter of Hamas against Israel and has accused the United States of backing what it describes as “Israeli crimes” in Gaza.
The relentless bombardment in recent weeks has resulted in the tragic deaths of over 20,000 individuals and forced the displacement of many residents from their homes.
Mohammad Reza Naghdi, the coordinator of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, was quoted by the Tasnim news agency as saying, “They will soon witness the closure of the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar Strait, and other waterways.”
Just yesterday, armed Iraqi factions claimed to have targeted a vital asset in the Mediterranean using “appropriate weaponry” several days ago, causing direct damage.
The Houthi group in Yemen, aligned with Iran, also targeted commercial vessels sailing through the Red Sea last month in response to the Israeli offensive in Gaza, prompting some shipping companies to alter their routes.
The White House stated yesterday that Iran is “deeply engaged” in planning operations against commercial ships in the Red Sea.
It is worth noting that Iran does not have direct access to the Mediterranean Sea, and it remains unclear how the Revolutionary Guard would attempt such a closure.
Nonetheless, Naghdi mentioned the emergence of “new resistance forces” and the potential closure of other waterways.
He added, “Yesterday, the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz became their nightmare, and today they are surrounded… in the Red Sea.”
The only groups backed by Iran in the Mediterranean region are the Lebanese Hezbollah and allied militias in Syria.
