Iran may mine Strait of Hormuz if US joins Israeli strikes, officials warn
Iran's missile arsenal is already positioned to hit US forces in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE so no additional preparation is needed, say Pentagon sources
ISTANBUL
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, US officials say Iran could resort to mining the strategic Strait of Hormuz if American forces join Israel’s military campaign – a move that could trap US warships in the Persian Gulf and trigger a regional confrontation.
"Officials said that in the event of an attack, Iran could begin to mine the Strait of Hormuz, a tactic meant to pin American warships in the Persian Gulf," according to intelligence reviewed by the Donald Trump administration, as reported by The New York Times on Tuesday.
The threat highlights growing fears that an already volatile conflict could spiral into a broader war involving direct US-Iranian clashes.
The warning comes amid reports that Iran has readied ballistic missiles and other weaponry for strikes on US bases across the Middle East if Washington supports Israeli operations, particularly a possible strike on Iran’s underground Fordo nuclear facility.
American commanders have responded by placing more than 40,000 troops in the region – including those in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia – on high alert.
Tehran has publicly signaled its willingness to retaliate.
"Our enemies should know that they cannot reach a solution with military attacks on us and will not be able to force their will on the Iranian people," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday.
He emphasized that the US and Israel would bear responsibility for any regional escalation.
US officials also told The New York Times that Iran’s missile bases are already within range of American installations in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE, requiring little to no additional preparation.
Meanwhile, the prospect of an American strike – potentially involving B-2 stealth bombers and the Massive Ordnance Penetrator – is under discussion, particularly if Israeli forces struggle to penetrate Iran’s hardened nuclear sites. But experts have cautioned against escalation.
"It is never too late not to start a war," said Rosemary Kelanic of the Washington-based think tank Defense Priorities, the Times added.
She warned that a US intervention would only "multiply dramatically" Iran’s incentive to pursue a nuclear weapon.
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