Iran’s Supreme National Defense Council has warned that all maritime routes in the Persian Gulf would be rendered inoperable by mines if the country’s coast or islands are attacked. Qatari media outlet Al Jazeera reported this.

In the last 24 hours, Iranian military and security officials have repeatedly warned that any attack by the United States on Iran’s power plants or energy facilities would be met with a severe response.

In a statement, Iran’s Supreme National Defense Council announced, “Should there be an attempt to attack Iran’s coast or islands, all maritime routes in the Persian Gulf will be blocked off with mines.”

They further noted that in such a situation, only countries not directly involved in the war would be able to use those waterways in coordination with Iran.

Meanwhile, it is reported that US President Donald Trump is considering the possibility of seizing Kharg Island, a crucial oil export hub for Iran. Located in the northern Persian Gulf, this island is the center of infrastructure related to approximately 90 percent of Iran’s total oil exports.

According to analysts, if mines are laid in the Persian Gulf, global energy supply would be severely disrupted, and a major crisis in international trade could ensue.