Iran Threatens to Mine Gulf in Response to Coastal Attacks Iran's Defence Council warned on Monday that an attack on the country's southern coast and islands would result in the closure of all Gulf shipping routes through the deployment of sea mines. The statement, released by state media, emphasized that such an attack would lead to the Gulf being effectively sealed off, with mines laid in a manner similar to the Strait of Hormuz. The Defence Council highlighted the potential for floating mines to be deployed from the coast, creating a situation where maritime traffic would face severe restrictions. The statement also referenced historical context, noting the failure of over 100 minesweepers in the 1980s to clear a small number of sea mines, underscoring the challenges of navigating mined waters. It reiterated that non-belligerent states must coordinate passage through the Strait of Hormuz with Iran, a requirement that has been in place for decades. Separately, U.S. officials are reportedly considering plans to either occupy or blockade Iran's Kharg Island, the country's primary oil export hub. This move is intended to pressure Tehran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, a critical artery for global oil trade. The U.S. strategy appears to focus on disrupting Iran's ability to leverage the Strait as a geopolitical tool, while also addressing concerns over the security of international maritime routes. The Defence Council's warning comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Iran previously accusing the U.S. of escalating hostilities through military actions and sanctions. The threat to mine the Gulf underscores Iran's determination to protect its territorial waters and assert control over strategic maritime corridors.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #kharg_island #gulf #iran_defence_council
