This file photo shows a shipping vessel sailing past Iran's Gulf island of Qeshm in the Persian Gulf. AFP
“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, including floating mines that can be released from the coasts,” the statement read.
“In that case, the entire Persian Gulf will practically find a situation similar to the strait of Hormuz for a long time. This time, along with the strait of Hormuz, the entire Persian Gulf will be practically blocked, and the responsibility for it will lie with the threatening party.”
Iran has permitted some friendly countries, including China, India, and Pakistan, to secure safe passage of their ships through the strait, but has effectively closed it down for others in response to US-Israeli attacks, causing a major crisis in global energy markets.
The US is reportedly considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran’s strategically crucial Kharg Island to pressure Tehran to reopen the vital waterway, in what would mark a huge escalation in the US-Israeli war on Iran.
US President Donald Trump, who is facing domestic pressure as oil prices soar, warned late on Saturday that the US will “obliterate” Iranian power plants if the strait is not open before a 48-hour deadline.
Short link: