Iran's Supreme Leader Advisor Warns the U.S.: May Block the Strait of Mandeb as Retaliation

People’s Finance and News, April 6—Iran’s top leader’s foreign affairs adviser, Velayati, on April 5 warned the United States that if it “makes another mistake,” the Iran-led Resistance Front will respond by blocking the Strait of Hormuz. That day, Velayati posted on social media, saying: “Today, the unified command of the Resistance Front regards the Strait of Mandeb like the Strait of Hormuz. If the White House makes another stupid mistake, it will soon realize that with just one move, global energy and trade flows will be disrupted.” The Strait of Mandeb connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, serving as a vital passageway linking the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Indian Ocean. The strait is within the control area of Yemen’s Houthi armed group. Some media outlets believe Velayati’s post was a response to the threat issued by U.S. President Trump to Iran that day. On April 5, Trump posted again, once more demanding that Iran open the Strait of Hormuz, and he threatened that “April 7 will be Iran’s power plant day and bridge day,” implying a fierce bombing of Iran’s power plants and bridges. (Xinhua)