Iran could close second major trade route and still has huge stockpile of weapons

EXCLUSIVE: Iran could close second major trade route and still has huge stockpile of weaponsIranian chiefs issue strong hint of a secret weapon as it emerges they likely still have most of their deadly missiles and could now trigger a fresh blockade from Houthi proxiesCommentsNewsChris Hughes Defence and Security Editor11:03, 21 Apr 2026View 6 ImagesIran's proxy weapon the Yemeni Houthis(Image: AFP via Getty Images)Iranian forces likely still have 70% of their pre-conflict ballistic missiles, 60% of their launchers and at least 40% of their drone stockpiles, according to fresh intelligence analysis. News of Tehran’s deadly remaining arsenal emerged as Iran warned it still has “cards to play” in mockery of Donald Trump ’s language amid fears it could trigger the Yemeni Houthis.‌The rise in tension has heightened alarm in the region in the hours before the current two week ceasefire expires on Wednesday. If the Houthis become involved in the war there are increasing fears they could close the Baba el-Mandeb Strait, which has become a crucial alternative to the blockaded Hormuz passage.‌View 6 ImagesUS President Donald Trump at White House(Image: Mehmet Eser/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)‌READ MORE: Fears Iran war will explode again as defiant Tehran shuns peace talks despite Trump's threatsREAD MORE: Iran war ramping up the risk of terrorism in UK - arson and drone attacksAli Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which is its wartime command, said Tehran had the upper hand militarily. He added that he would not allow Donald Trump to “create false narratives over the situation on the ground,” as there were fresh warnings of a new Iranian war move.Iranian parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is expected to head the Iranian delegation if peace talks take place in Pakistan, warned they were “prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield.” He also said Iran would not accept negotiations with the US while under thre...