CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Tehran: Amid the continuing conflict in West Asia, Iran has warned that if the United States or Israel launches another attack, the scope of the war could extend beyond the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.
Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, made the statement in a video message released by Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency. Safavi said the conflict had already spread to the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. According to him, if war starts again, its front could extend to the Indian Ocean and possibly beyond.
He said the Iranian military has prepared plans to deal with any possible fresh attack.
The warning is being seen as significant for India in terms of maritime trade and energy supplies. If the conflict spreads to the Indian Ocean, pressure could increase on sea transport between West Asia, India, Europe and Africa. Existing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea have already forced ships to use alternative routes, increasing travel time and transport costs.
Apart from India, maritime security and energy supplies in the Indian Ocean are also important for China. However, the Iranian statement did not identify India or China as any possible military target. It is not yet clear which sea routes or military bases Iran is referring to in the event of an expansion of the conflict.
Amid regional tensions, disruptions on key maritime routes such as Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb are already affecting global energy supplies and trade. In such a situation, fears that the conflict could extend to the Indian Ocean may heighten concerns over maritime security, oil supplies, freight movement and insurance costs.
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