Iran Prepares Sea Mines in the Persian Gulf to Anticipate US-Israel Attacks

Iran is beginning preparations to anticipate attacks from the United States (US) and Israel in the Persian Gulf. Iran has threatened to install sea mines and close maritime routes leading to its coasts or islands. According to a report from detikNews on Monday (23/3/2026), Iran’s National Defence Council stated that sea mines would be placed along access routes and communication lines throughout the Gulf if enemies target Iranian coasts or islands. This measure would include various types of sea mines, including floating mines that can be launched from the coast. Iran is preparing this scenario to anticipate the Persian Gulf facing conditions similar to those of the Strait of Hormuz. As is known, Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil trade route, since the US and Israel attacked the country on 28 February. “Responsibility for the consequences will lie with the party that initiates the attack,” read the statement from Iran’s National Defence Council. The council also emphasised that the only way for non-aggressive countries to cross the Strait of Hormuz safely is through coordination with Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is typically traversed by around 20 million barrels of oil daily. Due to the blockade of the strait, shipments have been disrupted, triggering a rise in global oil prices. Regional escalation has continued to intensify since the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on 28 February. That attack killed more than 1,300 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader at the time, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Meanwhile, Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. Those attacks have also caused casualties and damage to infrastructure, as well as disrupting global markets and aviation.