Iran's defense council has issued a stark warning that any military attack on Iranian coastal areas or islands will trigger the immediate mining of the entire Persian Gulf. According to a statement reported by the Fars news agency, this action would effectively block all maritime access routes and communication lines in the region.
Iran's Military Response Plan
The statement explicitly detailed that Iran would deploy various types of naval mines, including floating mines that can be launched from coastal positions. This strategy aims to create a prolonged blockade similar to the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz, but extending across the entire Persian Gulf.
Escalating Global Energy Crisis
Iran has already permitted select friendly nations such as China, India, and Pakistan to secure safe passage for their ships through the Strait of Hormuz. However, for other countries, Iran has effectively closed the waterway by attacking vessels and reportedly laying mines. This has precipitated a major crisis in global energy markets, disrupting oil supplies and driving up prices.
US Contemplates Strategic Countermeasures
In response to the escalating tensions, the United States is reportedly considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran's strategically vital Kharg Island. This move would aim to pressure Tehran into reopening the crucial shipping lane, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Trump's Ultimatum and Domestic Pressures
US President Donald Trump, facing domestic pressure as oil prices continue to soar, issued a severe warning late on Saturday. He stated that the United States would "obliterate" Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within a 48-hour deadline. This ultimatum, posted on his Truth Social platform, sets a critical timeline for de-escalation.
The potential mining of the entire Persian Gulf represents a severe threat to international shipping and global energy stability. With both sides poised for confrontation, the situation remains highly volatile, with the responsibility for any blockade squarely placed on the threatening party by Iran's defense council.
