Iran has warned that it will deploy naval mines across the Persian Gulf if the United States or Israel launches any attack on its coastal areas or islands. The Iranian Defense Council issued the threat on Monday, March 23, 2026, declaring that it would not tolerate any form of aggression against its territory.

In a statement, the council said that peaceful nations or those not involved in the conflict could only pass through the Strait of Hormuz by coordinating with Iran. It added that any hostile attempt against Iranian coasts or islands would lead to the mining of all entry and communication routes in the Persian Gulf, effectively blocking the region. The council emphasized that the responsibility for such consequences would rest on the countries issuing threats.

The warning came as the deadline approached for a 48-hour ultimatum issued by US President Donald Trump, who had demanded that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its power plants.