Iranian state television has reported a massive explosion near the entrance of the Bab al-Mandab Strait — one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints linking the Red Sea to global shipping routes. According to Iranian media, the blast triggered heightened naval alertness across the region, with Iranian Navy units reportedly deployed from the Makran coast to key Gulf routes. Iranian outlets also claimed the IRGC Navy continues maintaining oversight across the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, where nearly 1,500 vessels are reportedly awaiting authorization. The incident comes amid rising tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, while questions continue surrounding the exact nature and cause of the reported explosion near the critical waterway.