IRAN has warned that the ongoing West Asia war could spread to the Indian Ocean if the United States or Israel launches another attack, signalling a possible widening of the conflict beyond the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea.
Yahya Rahim Safavi, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said the conflict could expand further in response to continued military action.
“As the conflict has spread from the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea, it is possible that, in response to further war, the front will expand even further, reaching the Indian Ocean and perhaps beyond,” he said in a video released by Iran’s Fars news agency.
The warning comes as tensions between Iran and the United States remain high around the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and key maritime routes.
Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that further US military action could trigger retaliation against American interests and assets across the region.
The warning also comes amid continued disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy chokepoint linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Vessel traffic through the strait remains well below pre-war levels.
The conflict has also affected shipping around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb, which links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. Any further expansion could therefore place additional pressure on commercial shipping and regional energy routes.
On Monday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also warned that it could alter its military strategy and targets if further provoked, according to the Associated Press.
The latest warning does not specify whether any potential expansion into the Indian Ocean would involve attacks on commercial shipping, military assets or particular countries. - September 24, 2026
