Middle East Conflict Could Spread to Indian Ocean: Iranian Military Advisor Warns

Yahya Rahim Safavi, an advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, warned today that if the United States or Israel launches another attack, Tehran may expand the Middle East conflict into the Indian Ocean. According to AFP, Safavi stated in a video released by Iran's Fars News Agency: 'Given that the conflict has already spread from the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea, escalation could further extend the front lines into the Indian Ocean, and possibly even farther.' Relations between Iran and the United States remain tense, with the core of the conflict centered on vital global energy trade routes such as the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that any new U.S. military action could provoke retaliation against American interests and assets in the region. AP reported that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) recently also warned it might adjust its military strategy and targets if further provoked.