Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, has characterized Iran’s control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as a strategic asset comparable to a nuclear weapon.
In remarks reported by TASS on Saturday, Medvedev argued that Tehran’s ability to disrupt shipping through the Red Sea corridor constitutes a "thermonuclear" arm in its geopolitical arsenal, potentially more potent than its nuclear program in terms of immediate economic leverage.
The comments highlight the enduring vulnerability of key maritime chokepoints to regional instability.
While the Strait of Hormuz remains the primary conduit for global oil flows, the Bab el-Mandeb serves as a critical artery for container traffic and LNG shipments between Asia and Europe.
Medvedev’s framing suggests that Iran retains significant coercive power over global trade routes, even as diplomatic efforts seek to de-escalate tensions in the region.
This rhetoric emerges against a backdrop of complex diplomatic maneuvering.