Iran threatens to expand war to Indian Ocean if U.S. attacks again

An adviser to Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned on Thursday (September 24, 2026) that Tehran may expand the West Asia war to the Indian Ocean if the U.S. attacks again.

"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," said Yahya Rahim Safavi 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.