Iran Warns of Gulf Mine Deployment, Disrupting Oil Flows

0:00It's March 23rd. Global news today starts now. AI-powered and worldwide. I'm Cory with the story. Iran's top defense officials have warned that any assault on its southern shores or islands would trigger the deployment of sea mines across key Gulf, shipping lanes. This comes amid reports that the United States is weighing options to seize or blockade Carg Island, Iran's primary oil export terminal, as leverage. They restore full access through the strait of Hormuz. The strait has faced restrictions, with Iran insisting that neutral countries coordinate passages directly with its authorities. American moves aim to counter those limits and ensure open navigation for all vessels. Such mining would effectively turn the entire Gulf into a restricted zone like the strait itself, severely disrupting global oil flows and trade routes. Iran pointed to history, noting how more than 100 minesweepers failed to clear just a handful of mines back in the 1980s, underscoring the challenges ahead.

1:01Tensions remain high as both sides signal readiness, with the world watching how this standoff might reshape energy markets and regional security.