Tehran – Iran has threatened to deploy naval mines throughout the Persian Gulf if its coastline or islands are attacked by the United States or Israel, a move that could effectively close critical waterways in the region. The warning, issued Monday, March 23, 2026, by Iran’s National Defense Council, signals a potential escalation in tensions following a series of recent confrontations.
According to a statement reported by the Fars news agency and Anadolu Agency, any attempt by “enemies” to target Iranian shores or islands would trigger the placement of mines along access routes and communication lines across the Gulf. These measures would include various types of naval mines, including floating mines capable of being launched from the coast. The potential for such action raises concerns about maritime security and global energy supplies.
The Iranian Defense Council warned that, in such a scenario, the entire Persian Gulf would face conditions similar to those currently affecting the Strait of Hormuz, effectively halting maritime traffic. Responsibility for the consequences would rest with the initiating party, the council stated. The statement indicated that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for “non-aggressive nations” would require coordination with Iran. This demand underscores Iran’s increasing assertiveness in the region and its willingness to control access to this vital shipping lane.
Disruptions to Global Shipping
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, has already experienced disruptions since early March. Approximately 20 million barrels of oil typically transit the strait each day, and these disruptions have led to increased shipping costs and higher global oil prices. The threat of mining operations adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
This escalation follows a period of heightened regional tensions stemming from a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28th. While initial reports indicated over 1,300 fatalities, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, these figures remain unconfirmed. Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage, and further disrupting global markets and air travel.
Regional Implications and International Response
The threat of deploying mines is not new to the region. Iran has previously alluded to such measures in response to perceived threats. In February 2026, Iran threatened to completely close the Strait of Hormuz if its electricity facilities were targeted, as reported by MetroTVNews. The current escalation, however, appears more concrete and directly linked to potential attacks on Iranian territory.
China has urged all parties to de-escalate and avoid a “destructive cycle,” warning that further escalation could plunge the region into chaos, according to Media Indonesia. Beijing emphasized that military force will not resolve the issues and that the conflict should have been avoided from the outset.
What to Watch Next
The immediate future hinges on whether the United States and Israel will pursue further military action against Iran. Any such action will likely trigger the implementation of Iran’s mining threat, potentially leading to a significant disruption of global oil supplies and a wider regional conflict. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation are ongoing, but the prospects for a swift resolution remain uncertain. The international community will be closely monitoring the situation in the Persian Gulf for any signs of further escalation.
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