Iran warns of shutting the ‘Bab-el-Mandeb’ Strait after Hormuz

New Delhi – After blocking the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, triggering a global energy crisis, Iran has now issued an indirect warning about targeting another key maritime route. Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, indicated that Iran could potentially target the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.

Ghalibaf posted on X, ‘What share of global oil, LNG, wheat, rice, and fertilizer shipments transits the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait? Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait? (sic)’ These remarks are being interpreted as a signal that Iran may target this chokepoint.

What share of global oil, LNG, wheat, rice, and fertilizer shipments transits the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait?

Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait? 🤔

— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) April 3, 2026

Where is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait?

The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait is a narrow waterway connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. In Arabic, “Bab-el-Mandeb” means “Gate of Tears.” The route is about 100 kilometers long and as narrow as 30 kilometers at some points. Large volumes of crude oil pass through this route from Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port. Through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, this passage connects to the Mediterranean Sea, making it a critical trade route between Asia and Europe. It allows ships to avoid circumnavigating Africa. Significant volumes of oil and natural gas are transported through this route.

Iran downs two US aircraft within 24 hours

In the past 24 hours, Iran has reportedly shot down two US military aircraft. Officials from both countries have confirmed the incident. Search operations are ongoing to locate the pilots. Out of three personnel on board, two have been rescued by US forces, while one remains missing. Iran has also stated it is searching for the missing pilot.

One of the aircrafts was an F-15E, typically operated by two pilots. The second was an A-10, a ground-attack aircraft used against armoured vehicles and ground forces.

US President Donald Trump stated that the downing of the aircraft would not affect ongoing diplomatic efforts and that negotiations could continue despite rising tensions.

Iran attacks Oracle office in Dubai

US-based IT company Oracle, which recently laid off around 30,000 employees, including 12,000 Indians, had one of its offices in Dubai targeted by an Iranian missile strike. No casualties were reported in the attack.

Proposal to increase US defence spending in 2027 budget

US President Donald Trump has proposed increasing defence spending to $1.5 trillion in the 2027 budget, while cutting funding for several domestic programmes. The proposal includes a 44% increase in military spending and a 10% reduction in other expenditures, highlighting the administration’s focus on military investment.

Commenting on this, Trump said, “When we are fighting wars, we cannot afford to focus on things like daycare, Medicaid, or Medicare (healthcare services).” Republican lawmakers have welcomed the increase in defence spending, while Democratic leaders have criticised it as a “morally bankrupt” plan. This proposal comes at a time when the United States has a national debt exceeding $39 trillion.