Iran Threatens Mines in Persian Gulf Amid Escalation

Iran has issued a stark warning that it will deploy naval mines across the Persian Gulf should the United States or Israel launch any attacks on its coastal regions or islands. The announcement, made on Monday, 23 March, underscores Tehran’s determination to safeguard its territory while escalating tensions in the strategically vital waterway.

Defence Council Statement

The Iranian Defence Council emphasised that any aggression against the nation’s coasts or archipelagos will not be tolerated. In an official statement, the council noted: “The only safe passage for non-combatant or peaceful nations through the Strait of Hormuz is through coordination with Iran.”

The statement further declared: “Should adversaries attempt any assault on Iranian coastal areas or islands, all entry points and communication routes in the Persian Gulf and along the coastline will be mined. This would effectively blockade the entire Gulf, and the responsibility for any resulting disruption will rest entirely with the offending states.”

Context of the Threat

The warning comes amid heightened tensions in the region. U.S. President Donald Trump had issued an ultimatum the previous Saturday, demanding that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, threatening strikes on Iranian power plants if the deadline was not met. As that deadline approaches, Tehran’s threat to mine the Gulf signals a firm stance against what it perceives as coercive military pressure.

Analysts note that the Persian Gulf is a critical artery for global energy supplies, with roughly a fifth of the world’s oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption caused by mines could have immediate repercussions for international shipping, regional economies, and energy markets.

Strategic Implications

The council’s announcement also signals to regional and global actors that Iran is prepared to escalate defensive measures to protect its sovereignty. It highlights the precarious balance in the Persian Gulf, where military threats and economic chokepoints intersect.

Experts caution that the move to mine the Gulf would carry significant risks, including potential naval confrontations and major disruption to international maritime traffic. The escalation underscores the urgent need for diplomatic channels to avert broader conflict while ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels.

As the situation develops, global attention remains fixed on Tehran, Washington, and Jerusalem, with the potential for both regional instability and global economic consequences looming large.

Source: CNN