TEHRAN
\nTensions in the Middle East surged further this week as Iran reportedly instructed Yemen\u2019s Houthi movement to prepare to close the Red Sea gateway if the United States targets Iran\u2019s power infrastructure. The warning comes amid a sharp escalation of strikes between Tehran and Washington, raising fears of disruption to global trade routes.
\nAccording to regional sources, Kuwait\u2019s military confirmed it was responding to renewed Iranian aerial attacks, underscoring the widening scope of hostilities. The exchanges have intensified after U.S. strikes prompted the evacuation of a hospital in Iran, which Tehran condemned as a \u201cbarbaric\u201d act.
\nIran\u2019s Foreign Ministry spokesperson declared that the country would defend its national security \u201cas long as necessary,\u201d signaling Tehran\u2019s resolve to continue retaliatory measures. The statement followed a series of U.S. operations targeting Iranian assets, which Washington described as defensive actions in response to Iranian\u2011backed attacks on American interests.
\nThe Kremlin voiced concern over the spiraling confrontation, stating it remains in close contact with Tehran. Moscow warned that the latest escalation poses serious risks to the global economy, particularly through potential disruption of energy supplies and maritime trade. Russia\u2019s involvement highlights the international dimension of the crisis, with major powers watching closely as the situation unfolds.
\nThe Red Sea, a critical maritime corridor linking Europe and Asia, has already been vulnerable to attacks on shipping in recent months. Analysts caution that any closure of the gateway by the Houthis would have far\u2011reaching consequences, potentially driving up global shipping costs and energy prices.
\nDiplomatic observers note that the confrontation reflects a dangerous cycle of retaliation. Iran\u2019s alignment with regional militias, including the Houthis, has long been a flashpoint in U.S. policy. The latest developments suggest Tehran is willing to leverage its influence over these groups to pressure Washington.
\nMeanwhile, humanitarian concerns are mounting. The hospital evacuation following U.S. strikes has drawn condemnation from Iranian officials, who accuse Washington of disregarding civilian safety. International organizations have yet to issue formal statements, but aid agencies warn that escalating military action could worsen the humanitarian situation across the region.
\nWith both sides entrenched, prospects for de\u2011escalation appear slim. The coming days may prove decisive in determining whether the crisis remains contained or expands into a broader regional conflict. \u2014 DNA<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
TEHRAN Tensions in the Middle East surged further this week as Iran reportedly instructed Yemen\u2019s Houthi movement to prepare to close the Red Sea gateway if the United States targets Iran\u2019s power infrastructure. The warning comes amid a sharp escalation of strikes between Tehran and Washington, raising fears of disruption to global trade routes. According […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":556708,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-556683","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-world"],"yoast_head":"\n