Unprecedented warning about the Strait of Hormuz and the threat of completely blocking the Persian Gulf with mines in the shadow of tensions with the US

The unprecedented warning about the Strait of Hormuz has come at a time when the threat of a complete blockage of the Persian Gulf with naval mines has heightened global concerns, as tensions between Iran and the United States rise.

As the deadline set by Donald Trump for the full opening of the Strait of Hormuz approaches, tensions between Tehran and Washington have entered a more sensitive phase; a phase that could have consequences beyond a bilateral conflict and also affect the world's energy security.

Trump warned on Sunday morning, March 22, that if Iran did not fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours and without threats, the United States would target the country's critical infrastructure, even talking about destroying power plants. These statements quickly triggered a reaction from Iranian security agencies.

In response to this warning, the Defense Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran issued a strongly worded statement, declaring: "Any attempt by the enemy to attack Iranian coasts or islands will result in all access routes and communication lines in the Persian Gulf and the coasts being mined with various types of sea mines, including floating mines that can be released from the coasts."

The council also warned about the consequences of such an action, adding: "In that case, the entire Persian Gulf will practically find itself in a situation similar to the Strait of Hormuz for a long time, and this time, along with the Strait of Hormuz, the entire Persian Gulf will be practically blocked."

Such a threat, if realized, could seriously disrupt one of the world's most vital energy transport routes. Another part of the statement states: "The only way to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for non-belligerent countries is through coordination with Iran."

This stance reflects Tehran's attempt to exert greater control over this strategic corridor; a route through which a significant portion of the world's oil passes daily, and any disruption to it quickly affects global markets.

At the same time, reports have been published about increased military attention to Kharg Island, an island known as one of Iran's most important oil export terminals.

Following heavy attacks on military targets in the region, there has been speculation about the possibility of direct military action to seize or besiege the island. In this regard, Lindsey Graham said on a television program: “I say to President Trump: Keep going in this direction for a few more weeks. Take control of Kharkov Island, where all their resources for oil production are located. Take control of that island and let this regime gradually collapse.”

Alongside these developments, some reports suggest that the United States is considering options to increase pressure on Iran, including a naval blockade or control of key oil export points. These measures, if implemented, could raise tensions to unprecedented levels.

On the other hand, the Defense Council's reference to past experiences, including the widespread failure to clear naval mines in the 1980s, shows that if a naval conflict occurs, its consequences could be long-lasting and costly.

International experts warn that any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz or the spread of conflict to the entire Persian Gulf would affect not only regional security but also the global economy. Rising energy prices, disruptions in supply chains, and market instability are just some of the possible consequences of this crisis.

As both sides insist on their positions, the future of these tensions remains uncertain. But what seems clear is that the Strait of Hormuz has once again become one of the most sensitive places in the world; a point where every decision can have consequences beyond the borders of the region.