Iran threatened on Monday to mine all access routes and sea lanes in the Persian Gulf if its islands are attacked by the United States. This threat came after US officials stated that an invasion of the island of Kharg, home to Iran's main oil terminal, is on the table. "Any attempt by the enemy to attack Iranian coasts or islands will naturally and in accordance with standard military practice lead to the mining of all access routes and sea lanes in the Persian Gulf and its coasts with various types of naval mines, including deployable floating mines from the coast," warned Iran's Supreme National Security Council. The body stated that if it came to that, "the entire Persian Gulf would for long periods be in a situation similar to the Strait of Hormuz, meaning the entire gulf would be practically blocked." Under those circumstances, passage through the Strait of Hormuz for "non-hostile countries" would be coordinated by Iran. It added that the "aggressor" would bear full responsibility, referring to the United States. The warning comes after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Sunday that "all options, including sending troops to secure the island of Kharg—which hosts the Islamic republic's largest crude oil export terminal—are on the table." US President Donald Trump threatened on Saturday night that "if Iran does not fully open the strait within 48 hours from this moment, the United States will attack and obliterate its various power plants." The Islamic Republic responded to Trump with a defiant tone, in turn threatening to attack energy facilities in the Persian Gulf and completely block the Strait of Hormuz. Through this strategic strait passes 20% of global crude oil exports, which have been drastically reduced since the beginning of the war due to Iranian attacks, driving up oil prices.
