Iran Threatens to Expand Confrontation to Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea if the Island of Kharg is Attacked

SadaNews - Iran has warned that any targeting of Kharg Island could lead to the escalation of confrontation to a broader scope beyond the Strait of Hormuz, potentially including other strategic waterways in the region such as Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea, amid rising American and Israeli threats. In this context, the commander of the naval forces in the Revolutionary Guard, Ali Reza Tangsiri, announced that his forces had carried out attacks targeting military facilities in the "Al-Minhad" bases within the UAE and "Ali Al-Salem" in Kuwait, explaining that the strikes included aircraft hangars and fuel depots for American and Israeli warplanes, and were conducted using ballistic missiles and suicide drones. He added that these two bases had previously been used in operations targeting Iranian islands. Tangsiri emphasized the readiness of Iranian forces, stating that the forces "are prepared on all Iranian islands to confront any aggression," adding: "We have prepared graves for the murderous aggressors against children on all Iranian islands." The "Tasnim" news agency quoted an "Iranian military source" warning that any American attack on Kharg Island would be met with an "unprecedented response compared to what occurred during the past 21 days." The source indicated that the options on the table include expanding the scope of tension to affect additional waterways, including Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea, believing that this would complicate the situation for the United States. Regarding the current situation, he said that Washington "is currently facing significant challenges concerning the Strait of Hormuz," at a time when it is discussing lifting restrictions on Iranian oil to influence prices, alongside threats to target Kharg Island. He noted that this contradiction could lead to counterproductive outcomes, explaining that targeting the island could cause temporary disruptions in oil production, along with escalating the situation, which could have "significant repercussions" for the United States and the security of the region. These warnings come at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump spoke about the possibility of carrying out a new attack on the island, amid reports indicating attempts to seize control of it. Kharg Island is located north of the Gulf, approximately 483 kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz, and faced American attacks on the 13th of this month. It is among Iran's most important oil sites, housing key export facilities, and is about 38 kilometers from the coast of Bandar Kangan in Bushehr province. The island serves as a major oil export station, as its geographical nature allows for the reception of giant tankers, along with its proximity to southern oil fields. More than 90% of Iranian oil is exported through it, according to Abbas Asadrooz, the executive director of the Iranian Oil Ports Company, in May 2025. In contrast, the spokesman for the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian parliament, Ibrahim Rezaei, confirmed that "security in Kharg Island is fully established," indicating that oil exports continue "without any disruption."