Iran's Defence Council threatened Monday to deploy naval mines across the "entire Persian Gulf" if a land invasion happens. The council issued the statement as concern in Tehran grows about the potential arrival of US Marines to the region. The defence council said that non-belligerent states can only pass through the Strait of Hormuz by coordinating passage with Iran. The US has been trying to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, to energy shipments. The Marines could come ashore to seize either islands or territory in Iran to support that mission.

Source: The Telegraph March 23, 2026 08:47 UTC