The IRGC warned that in the event of escalating US attacks, it will block the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

The Iranian military may resort to a blockade of the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if the US escalates strikes on Iran or launches a ground operation.

As reported by BAKU.WS, this is according to The Wall Street Journal, citing sources.

"According to individuals familiar with the matter, in recent days the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened that if Washington intensifies attacks or considers a ground invasion option, Iran may attempt to seal off the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, including by attacking vessels," the publication reports.

In July, the Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia resumed exchanging strikes; at the same time, the Houthis declared a naval blockade for Saudi vessels. The Houthis attacked two Saudi tankers in the Red Sea and later announced strikes on two Saudi Aramco facilities on the kingdom's territory. Efforts by Saudi Arabia and Egypt to persuade the Houthis to scale back their military activity have so far been unsuccessful.