Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Mar 26: Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Wednesday warned that the country’s “enemies” may be preparing to occupy one of its islands with backing from a regional state, amid escalating tensions in the Gulf.

Citing intelligence inputs, Ghalibaf said Iran’s forces were closely monitoring developments and warned of “relentless” retaliation targeting critical infrastructure if any such move is attempted.

The warning comes as US President Donald Trump has reportedly deployed thousands of airborne troops and additional marines to the Gulf region, fuelling speculation of a possible ground operation targeting Iranian oil assets or securing the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

One potential flashpoint is Kharg Island, a key hub that handles the bulk of Iran’s crude exports. Trump had earlier described it as a vulnerable “oil island”.

Meanwhile, an Iranian military official warned that Tehran could expand the conflict by targeting shipping routes in the Red Sea if a ground invasion occurs. Such a move could severely disrupt global trade flows.

Iran is known to support the Houthi rebel group in Yemen, which has previously targeted vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key link between the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

The official also cautioned that Iran could open “multiple fronts” in response to any military action, including operations in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has already slowed significantly due to the ongoing tensions, affecting nearly 20 percent of global oil supplies. Crude oil prices have surged to around $100 per barrel, with the International Energy Agency describing the situation as one of the largest supply disruptions in global oil market history.