Iran Military Adviser Emphasizes Continued Red Sea Blockade

Despite growing concern over Iran's support for Houthi militants in Yemen, a military adviser to the Supreme Leader has announced Iran's strategic focus on the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea.

Yahya Rahim-Safavi emphasized on Wednesday the importance of naval and aerospace forces of the Revolutionary Guards concentrating on the vital points, stating that future wars are likely to be sea-based and air-based.

Rahim-Safavi said, "We have no solution other than deepening the defense and security of the country. Our strategic defense depth is in the Mediterranean Sea, and we must increase our strategic depth by 5,000 kilometers."

The Red Sea has been effectively closed off by Iran-backed Houthi militants through a series of missile and drone strikes targeting commercial vessels. 

Despite their assertion of acting in solidarity with Palestinians and targeting ships associated with Israel, the US, or Britain, few shipping companies are willing to risk traversing the region.

Iran's clerical regime has long provided substantial support to the Houthis, including funding, arms, and training, enabling them to establish and maintain control over significant areas of Yemen. Despite mounting international pressure, Iran persists in its backing of the group.

In November, the Houthis initiated attacks on Israeli ships in the Red Sea, concentrating British and US for supporting Israel’s right to defend itself in the wake of October 7.

The resulting disruptions to global maritime trade have compelled major shipping operators to divert their vessels, leading to increased shipping expenses and affecting consumer goods prices.