According to Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency, Yahya Rahim Safavi, a senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, stated that the current conflict has expanded from the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea. Should the situation escalate further, the potential scope of operations could extend to the Indian Ocean and beyond. Safavi added that if Iran's critical targets and interests are attacked again, the conflict could broaden, with the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait potentially becoming new operational areas. This statement comes as the international crude oil market continues to strengthen, with Brent crude reclaiming the $100 per barrel mark.