Members of the Basij volunteer militia parade in Tehran for a rally in support of the government on Sept. 25, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

By threatening the Indian Ocean, Tehran risks embarrassing Beijing

At the same time, Iran has proposed giving seven days to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks.

by · L'Orient Today

They had already threatened to widen the conflict. On Thursday, Rahim Safavi, a general in the Revolutionary Guard and advisor to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, stated that war against the United States could extend to the Indian Ocean, or even beyond, in the event of diplomatic failure or escalation by Washington.Meanwhile, in the wake of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, Tehran proposed a seven-day window to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear negotiations, in exchange for the lifting of the U.S. blockade on its ports, the unfreezing of funds abroad, and an end to the war on Lebanon. Even if talks continue, nothing guarantees that the two sides will come closer. Donald Trump said at the U.N. that he was prepared to "annihilate" Iran if it did not sign a deal. Is it now the Indian Ocean’s turn? Read more...

Start your mornings with The Morning Brief, our flagship newsletter that brings you the latest from Lebanon and the region.

Enjoy 7 days of free access when you create your account.

Email Address
Password

I would like to receive special offers from L'Orient Today as well as selections of the best articles.

Register

By creating an account, you agree to the terms and conditions of use and our privacy policy.

Register

Or register with:

Facebook Google

Already have an account? Login here

Log in to your account to see the results of the polls
E-mail Password
Log in I forgot my password

Log in with Facebook Log in with Google