An Iranian warning that the ongoing Middle East conflict could spread to the Indian Ocean has raised fresh concerns for India, given the country's dependence on the region for energy supplies and maritime trade.
Yahya Rahim Safavi, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said on Thursday that Tehran could widen the conflict if the US or Israel launches further attacks.
"Since the conflict has spread from the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea, it is possible that, in response to more war, the front will expand even further, reaching the Indian Ocean and perhaps beyond," Safavi said in a video released by Iran's Fars news agency.
Yemen's Houthis, fighting Saudi-backed government forces, recently took control of the Red Sea coastline, tightening their grip on the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, which links Asia to Europe via the Suez Canal.
Iran has long provided military support to the Houthis but denies any involvement in the Yemen conflict.
An Iranian warning that the ongoing Middle East conflict could spread to the Indian Ocean has raised fresh concerns for India, given the country's dependence on the region for energy supplies and maritime trade.
Yahya Rahim Safavi, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said on Thursday that Tehran could widen the conflict if the US or Israel launches further attacks.
"Since the conflict has spread from the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea, it is possible that, in response to more war, the front will expand even further, reaching the Indian Ocean and perhaps beyond," Safavi said in a video released by Iran's Fars news agency.
Yemen's Houthis, fighting Saudi-backed government forces, recently took control of the Red Sea coastline, tightening their grip on the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, which links Asia to Europe via the Suez Canal.
Iran has long provided military support to the Houthis but denies any involvement in the Yemen conflict.
