TEHRAN, March 23, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iran on Monday threatened to deploy "naval mines" in the Gulf if the United States and Israel were to attack any of its coasts or islands.

"Any attempt by the enemy to attack Iranian coasts or islands will naturally, and in accordance with established military practice, lead to all access routes and communication lines in the Persian Gulf and coastal areas being mined with various types of naval mines, including drifting mines deployable from the coasts," said the country's defence council in a statement carried by state media.

The defence council -- which operates under the Supreme National Security Council -- was formed after Iran's 12-day war with Israel in June 2025.