Situation Escalates! Houthi Forces Claim They May Block Strait of Mandeb, a Crucial "Chokepoint" for Maritime Traffic Between Europe, Asia, and Africa

According to CCTV News, on the 19th local time, U.S. officials citing sources reported that the United States is accelerating the deployment of thousands of Marines and sailors to the Middle East.

Sources said that at least 2,200 soldiers from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are expected to depart from San Diego in the coming days aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer. Additionally, at least one other ship is expected to accompany them, meaning thousands of sailors will be deployed together. The deployment is reportedly happening earlier than originally planned.

According to earlier reports from Xinhua News Agency, The Wall Street Journal on the 19th cited sources saying that the U.S. is increasing troop deployments to the Middle East and may seize Iran’s key oil export hubs to pressure Iran into opening the Strait of Hormuz.

Notably, according to reports from Russia on the 20th, Houthi political bureau member Mohammed Buhaiti said that to support Iran, the organization might block the Strait of Mandeb.

Buhaiti stated that the Houthi movement in Yemen is considering all options to support Iran’s resistance against U.S. and Israeli military strikes. If the Strait of Mandeb must be closed, the Houthis will only attack ships involved in attacks on Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine.

The Strait of Mandeb connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and is a “throat” linking the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Indian Ocean, often called the “water corridor” connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Iranian Official: No Plans for Negotiations with the U.S.; Harek Island Security Situation Stable

According to reports from Iran on the 20th, Iran’s Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Committee spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei said that Iran currently has no plans to negotiate with the U.S. and that claims of a ceasefire or negotiations are false information spread by the U.S. to control energy prices. Additionally, the security situation on Harek Island remains stable, and Iran’s oil exports are ongoing.

Rezaei stated that recent Iranian actions have achieved significant results, inflicting “more decisive” heavy blows on enemies. Any country allowing Iran’s adversaries to use its territory or military bases in any form will be considered a direct participant in the conflict and targeted by Iran.

Earlier, a spokesperson for the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that even in a state of war, Iran can continue missile production and has no special issues with its stockpiles.

IRGC Spokesperson Killed in Attack

On March 20th local time, the IRGC announced that IRGC spokesperson Naini was killed during U.S.-Israeli military operations early that morning.

The statement said that Naini had served as IRGC spokesperson for the past two years and was deeply involved in and directed the public opinion campaigns for military operations “Real Commitment” Nos. 2, 3, and 4.

Compiled from: CCTV News, Xinhua News Agency

Proofread by: Lü Jiubiao