ISLAMABAD: Iran stated it has no plans to deploy mines in the Persian Gulf, citing full control over the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters, reported Tasnim News Agency on Monday.

According to the Iranian news outlet, a spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters said the country has the initiative in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. He said that Iran can secure the area using existing capabilities.

The spokesperson stated that Iranian armed forces, working with regional partners, can maintain security and that non-regional powers have no authority to intervene.

The Middle East has seen a sharp escalation in the multi-week conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, marked by intense military strikes and a high-stakes standoff over the Strait of Hormuz.

According to AFP, US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum on Sunday, demanding Iran fully reopen the Strait or face attacks on its power plants. Just before the deadline expired on March 23, Trump postponed strikes for five days, citing “very good” talks with an Iranian official. Tehran denied any negotiations, while stating the US was attempting to manipulate energy markets.

The joint US-Israeli airstrikes have targeted military and infrastructure sites in Tehran, AFP reported. On Tuesday, an Iranian missile struck a building in an upscale Tel Aviv neighborhood.

Iran’s military claims full control of the Strait of Hormuz. While some friendly vessels have passed, the effective closure has driven global oil prices above $100 per barrel. Casualty estimates indicate more than 1,000 people have been killed in Iran and dozens in Lebanon since the war began.

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Iran says it has no plans to lay mines in Persian Gulf