The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has warned of closing additional global waterways to retaliate against the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, escalating tensions in the region.

The IRGC accused the US of disrupting global energy exports, including those of America's economic rivals, and vowed to shut routes serving US and allied interests.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for one-fifth of the world's oil and gas, remains closed until the US is deemed to have 'ended its evils.

' Analysts note Iran's potential use of the Houthis in Yemen to target the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a vital link for Saudi oil and global shipping.

Recent US strikes on Iranian military targets near Hormuz have prompted Iranian retaliation, including drone attacks on US bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain.The conflict has reignited hostilities, with the US threatening further strikes on Iran's infrastructure if negotiations fail.The situation risks destabilizing global energy markets and intensifying regional conflicts.