Putin Flags Iran War Risk, Likens It to Pandemic

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Moscow
• Mar 26, 2026
• 575

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning against any escalation into a full-scale war with Iran, cautioning that such a conflict could trigger global disruptions comparable to those witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing business leaders in Moscow, Putin underscored the profound uncertainty surrounding the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, noting that even the nations directly involved remain unable to accurately anticipate the far-reaching consequences of the conflict.

He emphasized that the unfolding crisis is already exerting significant strain on global logistics, manufacturing, and supply chains, while placing mounting pressure on key industries such as oil and gas, metals, and fertilizers.

Amid escalating tensions, reports have surfaced suggesting that the United States may be considering a ground offensive targeting Iran’s strategic Kharg Island. In response, Tehran has reportedly threatened to block the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait—a critical maritime chokepoint of immense global importance.

The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait serves as a vital gateway linking the Red Sea with the Arabian Sea and forms a crucial passage for vessels transiting towards the Suez Canal. Approximately 12 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through this corridor, making it one of the busiest and most strategically significant shipping routes globally.

Compounding the geopolitical stakes, a major US military installation in Djibouti lies just 30 kilometres from the strait. Any disruption or blockade in this region could dramatically intensify the crisis and further destabilize the already volatile Middle East.