BREAKING: Iran Lawmaker Flags Bab Al-Mandeb Action Over US Tensions: ‘Serious Options On Table’

According to a report by Middle East Monitor on Monday, April 13, 2026, An Iranian lawmaker has said Tehran is considering potential measures aimed at disrupting maritime shipping in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait through its Houthi allies, following reports of heightened tensions linked to recent United States naval activity in the region.

Behnam Saeedi, a member of Iran’s parliament national security and foreign policy committee, said such options were under review as part of broader strategic responses to Washington’s actions in the region.

“We have more serious winning cards; the United States must understand that, with the help of our Yemeni brothers, the issue of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait is also under consideration and action,” Saeedi said.

He warned that any disruption to security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman could have wider regional consequences affecting global trade routes and energy shipments.

The lawmaker further stated that any military or commercial entity supporting or aligning with US policy actions in the region would face what he described as a decisive and regret-inducing response from Tehran and its allies.

He added that maritime security in strategic waterways remains a central concern for Iran amid escalating geopolitical friction involving multiple regional and international actors.

According to him, developments in the Red Sea corridor and nearby chokepoints are being closely monitored by Iranian authorities due to their potential impact on energy flows and global supply chains.

Saeedi emphasized that Iran’s response strategy would depend on further regional developments and the behavior of external powers operating in proximity to key maritime routes.

He reiterated that diplomatic engagement remains possible but only under conditions of mutual respect and de-escalation across contested waterways and regional disputes.