Iran unleashes a drastic move to "reshape the Middle East"

 Direct translation

A game-changer! Iran unleashes a drastic move to "reshape the Middle East"

Reporter : Wang Duruo / Editor: Zhongkang / https://www.aboluowang.com/2026/0414/2371952.html / Image : The photo, taken on 10 August 2018, during a trip to Yemen organized by the UAE National Media Committee (NMC), shows Yemeni fishing boats anchored on the Yemeni side of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic waterway separating the Arabian Peninsula from East Africa. (Karim Sahib/AFP via Getty Images)

On Monday, the 13th, after the U.S. initiated a blockade of Iranian ports, the Iranian armed forces quickly warned: "If the security of Iranian ports is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of ​​Oman will be safe." On the same day, Iran's state broadcaster, Iran Broadcasting, asked on its X platform: "Is Iran about to be blockaded at sea? Is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait about to close?!"

Previously, Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, warned that just "one action" could disrupt global energy and trade flows. Even earlier, in early April 2026, Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf hinted at the possibility of pushing for the blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, leading to the Suez Canal. It handles approximately 12% of global oil transport and is a crucial trade route between Asia and Europe; disruption to it would directly impact global energy and supply chains.

Aboluowang commentator Wang Duren analyzes that Iran's move is a typical example of "offense as defense": on the one hand, it amplifies its deterrent, attempting to spill the conflict over the entire Gulf and Red Sea; on the other hand, it uses psychological and diplomatic pressure to influence U.S. decision-making by influencing regional countries, while simultaneously resorting to asymmetric means such as missiles, drones, mines, and proxy forces for harassment.

However, in terms of practical capabilities, Iran's room for maneuver is limited. Its main naval force has already suffered heavy losses, and it currently relies mainly on Revolutionary Guard speedboats and shore-based weapons, making it difficult to counter sustained US maritime control. It also lacks long-range projection capabilities, making it unable to permanently blockade a wide area. More importantly, a full escalation would further hinder Iran's energy exports, putting greater pressure on its economy.

Wang Duran assesses that Iran is likely to create short-term disruptions near Hormuz, but achieving "insecurity in all ports" and maintaining it long-term is extremely impractical.

Wang Duran summarized it in one sentence: Iran attempted to create pressure by threatening to "drag the whole situation down," but its ability to execute these threats was limited; it was more about using rhetoric to gain leverage.

Image : The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, and is linked to Egypt's Suez Canal. It handles approximately 12% of global oil transport and is a vital trade route connecting Asia and Europe. (Video screenshot)