Iran Threatens Key Waterways as Proxy Attacks on Shipping Intensify

US accuses Tehran of deep involvement in Red Sea attacks, as Houthi rebels target shipping in retaliation for Israel's invasion of Gaza.

Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea unless Israel stops bombing Gaza, as the US warned Tehran was “deeply involved” in attacks on shipping.
The Houthis in Yemen, which are backed by Iran, have already forced several major shipping companies to reroute their vessels to avoid the Red Sea by targeting merchant craft with drones and missiles.
On Saturday, a Liberian-flagged tanker was struck by a drone while it was sailing in the Arabian Sea off the coast of India, setting it on fire.
US intelligence accused Tehran of being “deeply involved” in the operational planning of the Red Sea attacks.
The Houthi leadership have described the attacks as retribution for Israel’s invasion of Gaza, which was run by another Tehran ally, Hamas.