TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - U.S. officials have warned that Iran could deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway, if the U.S. military joins the Israeli military campaign amid the Middle East escalation.
"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," reads the intelligence report reviewed by the Donald Trump administration, as cited by The New York Times on Tuesday, as reported by Anadolu.
The warning comes amid reports that Iran has prepared ballistic missiles and other armaments to target U.S. bases across the Middle East if Washington supports Israeli operations, particularly the potential strike on Iran's underground nuclear facility, Fordow.
The threat highlights growing concerns that an already volatile conflict could escalate into a broader war involving direct U.S.-Iran clashes.
U.S. military commanders have responded to the warning by deploying over 40,000 troops in the region, including in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, on high alert.
U.S. officials also told The New York Times that Iran's missile bases are already within reach of U.S. installations in Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, thus requiring no additional preparations.
Meanwhile, the prospect of a U.S. strike, potentially involving stealth B-2 bombers and the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, is being discussed, especially if Israeli forces struggle to penetrate fortified Iranian nuclear sites. However, 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, as quoted by The New York Times.
She warned that U.S. intervention would only "dramatically amplify" Iran's drive to develop nuclear weapons.
Earlier, Tehran had openly signaled its readiness 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," said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday.
Araghchi emphasized that the U.S. and Israel would be responsible for any regional escalation.
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