We will deploy naval mines if US, Israel attack our coasts, islands – Iran

By Lawrence Agbo

Iran has issued a stark warning that it would deploy naval mines across the Persian Gulf if the United States or Israel were to attack its coastal areas or islands.

In a statement carried by state media on Monday, Iran’s Defence Council said any such attack would lead to the strategic mining of access routes and communication lines in the Gulf, including offshore waters used for maritime traffic.

The warning was issued amid reports of intensifying hostilities between Tehran, Washington, and Tel Aviv.

The defence council — formed under the country’s Supreme National Security Council following Iran’s 12‑day war with Israel in June 2025 — said its response would follow established military practice if its sovereign territory were targeted.

“Any attempt by the enemy to attack Iranian coasts or islands will naturally, and in accordance with established military practice, lead to all access routes and communication lines in the Persian Gulf and coastal areas being mined with various types of naval mines, including drifting mines deployable from the coasts,” said the country’s defence council in a statement carried by state media.

Analysts warn that laying naval mines could disrupt one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, as approximately 20% of global petroleum supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding Gulf waters.

Closing or threatening this corridor with mines could have far‑reaching consequences for global energy markets and international shipping.