Iran Threatens to Mine the Persian Gulf

Tehran has warned about the possibility of mining maritime routes in the Persian Gulf in response to a potential ground operation by the United States, according to a statement from the Iranian Defense Council.

“Any attempt by the enemy to attack Iran's coastal line or islands will result in the mining of all passageways and navigation routes in the Persian Gulf and along the coast with various types of marine mines, including floating mines, in accordance with standard military practice,” the council's spokesperson was quoted by Fars News Agency.

The only option for neutral states to transit through the Strait of Hormuz is to obtain prior agreement from Tehran. The Iranian Defense Council also announced its commitment to deliver a “decisive and devastating response to any aggression.”