Iran threatens to mine Persian Gulf if attacked
Iran threatens to mine entire Persian Gulf (photo: Getty Images)
Tehran threatens to deploy naval mines and fully block the entire Persian Gulf, including the Hormuz Strait, if the US and its allies attempt to attack Iran's coastline, reports The Guardian.
"Any attempt by the enemy to attack Iranian coasts or islands will naturally, and in accordance with common military practice, cause all access routes and communication lines in the Persian Gulf and the coasts to be mined with various types of naval mines," the Iranian government said in a statement.
Tehran added that in such a case, the entire Persian Gulf would for a long time find itself in a situation similar to the Hormuz Strait and would be practically blocked, and responsibility for all consequences would lie with the aggressor countries.
It is noted that earlier Iran allowed some friendly countries, including China, India, and Pakistan, to use the Hormuz Strait for the passage of their vessels.
This statement came amid media reports about US plans to occupy or block the strategically important Iranian Kharg Island to force Tehran to reopen the vital waterway.
"Freedom of navigation cannot exist without freedom of trade. Respect both — or expect neither," Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi concluded.
Iran and the Persian Gulf on a map (photo: Google Maps)
Background
Recently, US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran. He threatened to attack Iranian power plants if the Hormuz Strait is not fully opened within 48 hours.
In response, Iran promises to plunge Gulf countries into darkness if the United States strikes Iranian power plants.
Iran also stated that the Hormuz Strait remains open for navigation except for vessels associated with Iran's enemies.
